Absorbent article with leg cuffs

ABSTRACT

A disposable absorbent article may include a chassis that includes a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; and a leg gasketing system. The leg gasketing system may include an inner cuff and an outer cuff; the inner cuff may include an inner cuff folded edge and an inner cuff material edge and the outer cuff may include an outer cuff folded edge and an outer cuff material edge such that the web of material is folded laterally inward to form the outer cuff folded edge and folded laterally outward to form the inner cuff folded edge. The disposable absorbent article also includes at least one channel in the absorbent core.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/134,622, filed Mar. 18, 2015, the substance of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to absorbent articles (e.g., diapers, adultincontinence articles, feminine hygiene pads) having improved leg cuffsthat yield a more garment-like article, as well as having improvedfunctional characteristics (e.g., reduced leakage, reduced sagging,fecal material containment).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It has long been known that absorbent articles such as conventionalabsorbent articles (e.g., diapers, adult incontinence articles, femininehygiene pads) offer the benefit of receiving and containing urine and/orother bodily exudates (e.g., feces, menses, mixture of feces and urine,mixture of menses and urine, etc.). To effectively contain bodilyexudates, the article should provide a snug fit around the waist andlegs of a wearer.

Current diaper designs frequently include the use of a barrier leg cuffto prevent leakage of bodily exudates and an outer cuff which provides acovering over the barrier leg cuff to minimize the visibility ofexudates through the barrier cuff and provide a secondary means tocapture bodily exudates should they breach the barrier leg cuff. Thebarrier leg cuff may be made using a hydrophobic nonwoven and may bedisposed on the body-facing surface of the absorbent article orconnected to the body-facing surface of the film backsheet layer. Thebarrier leg cuff may be a substantially liquid impervious layer thatprevents bodily exudates from passing out of the sides of the articleand may also be highly breathable, allowing outside air to reach theskin to help maintain a healthy level of skin hydration. In many currentdiapers, the outer cuff comprises the polymeric film layer of thebacksheet to provide the high opacity required to cover the barrier legcuff as well as to prevent molten adhesive from passing through the cuffto the garment-facing surface of the article during manufacturing. Theouter cuff contains the outer leg elastic strands, which create thecontraction forces and gathers, and can be sandwiched between the cuffmaterial and backsheet material. The elastic strands in the leg cuffsare typically joined with molten adhesive during manufacture, and thehot adhesive has the potential to pass through nonwoven materials duringmanufacture, causing contamination of manufacturing lines as well as thepotential for stickiness on the outside surface of the article. Thepolymeric film is generally used to prevent these issues, however,results in a plastic-like look as well as a noisy application process.

Because of manufacturing tolerances when cutting, tracking, andcombining materials, the outer leg elastic strands are generally spacedinboard from the longitudinal edge of the article in the crotch region.This prevents inadvertent cutting or exposure of the outer leg elasticstrands during the manufacturing process. This design results in theoutermost portion of the longitudinal edge of the product notcontinuously contacting closely to the skin of the user during wear.Thus, the ability of the elastic strand(s) to control the edge of thearticle diminishes as the distance between the outermost elastic and theedge increases, leading to a more random distribution of larger gatherswhich contact the skin at larger intervals or sometimes not at all. Thiseffect can lead to user perception that the diaper may leak where thelongitudinal edge does not contact the skin of the user. In addition,many articles currently available contain only two to three outer legelastics per side to create the gathers, increasing the difficulty ofachieving the desired appearance of a wide finished leg cuff or moregarment-like cuff such as the elasticized hemmed edge of the arm cuff ofa sweater. If the elastics are spaced more closely, the result is anarrow section of elasticized zone, which results in a less finished,less comfortable, and less clothing-like appearance. If the elastics arespaced farther apart, the gathers can appear to separate further fromthe skin of the user, leading to a perception of potential leakage risk.As discussed above, this is driven by having less control of the gathersbetween strands of increasing separation.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an absorbent article with afolded outer cuff design having finished edges with elastics that areclose to the edge to maintain a close proximity to the skin to createimproved fit, a more aesthetically pleasing, clothing-like design andimproved leakage protection.

Further, achieving such aesthetically pleasing, clothing-like absorbentarticle designs (e.g., by including folded outer cuff designs havingfinished edges) will generally result in articles that have a wideroutermost-to-outermost elastic spacing. Because theoutermost-to-outermost elastic cross dimensional length determines theeffective width of the chassis, one drawback of these designs is thatthe effective crotch width is greater when compared to traditionalabsorbent articles. Articles with wider effective crotch widths tend tofit lower in the crotch, and the extra material creates a “c” shapecupping around the crotch area. Accordingly, the “c” shape cuppingaround the crotch area is larger for absorbent articles with foldedouter cuff designs having finished edges versus traditional outer cuffdesigns. Moms often view the larger “c” shape cupping negatively assagging and/or poor fitting in the crotch area.

Accordingly, it is of continued interest to provide an economicallyviable disposable absorbent article with the ability to minimize thenegative effects of bodily extrudate leaks, while also reducing theappearance of sagging. To that end, it is of continued interest toprovide a disposable absorbent article having sufficient retentioncapability to safely and cleanly retain bodily extrudate away from thewearer's clothing and/or skin throughout the expected time of articleuse, while also maintaining the desired appearance of a proper fit onthe body.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a disposable absorbent article for wearing about thelower torso of a wearer includes a first waist region, a second waistregion, a crotch region disposed between the first and second waistregions, a first waist edge and a second waist edge, and a firstlongitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, the disposableabsorbent article including a chassis that includes a topsheet, abacksheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and thebacksheet; the disposable absorbent article further including a leggasketing system, wherein the leg gasketing system comprises a web ofmaterial forming an inner cuff and an outer cuff; wherein the inner cuffcomprises an inner cuff folded edge and an inner cuff material edge andthe outer cuff comprises an outer cuff folded edge and an outer cuffmaterial edge, such that the web of material is folded laterally inwardto form the outer cuff folded edge and folded laterally outward to formthe inner cuff folded edge; and wherein the absorbent core comprisessuperabsorbent polymer enclosed within a core wrap, wherein thesuperabsorbent polymer is disposed on an absorbent material depositionarea within the core wrap and the absorbent material deposition areacomprises at least one channel which is at least partially oriented inthe longitudinal direction of the disposable absorbent article.

In another aspect, a disposable absorbent article for wearing about thelower torso of a wearer includes a first waist region, a second waistregion, a crotch region disposed between the first and second waistregions, a first waist edge and a second waist edge, and a firstlongitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, the disposableabsorbent article including a chassis that includes a topsheet, abacksheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and thebacksheet, and a liquid management system adjacent to the absorbentcore; wherein the disposable absorbent article further comprises a leggasketing system; wherein the leg gasketing system comprises a web ofmaterial forming an inner cuff and an outer cuff; wherein the inner cuffcomprises an inner cuff folded edge and an inner cuff material edge andthe outer cuff comprises an outer cuff folded edge and an outer cuffmaterial edge, such that the web of material is folded laterally inwardto form the outer cuff folded edge and folded laterally outward to formthe inner cuff folded edge; wherein the absorbent core comprisessuperabsorbent polymer enclosed within a core wrap, wherein thesuperabsorbent polymer is disposed on an absorbent material depositionarea within the core wrap and the absorbent material deposition areacomprises at least one channel which is at least partially oriented inthe longitudinal direction of the disposable absorbent article; andwherein the liquid management system comprises at least one liquidmanagement system channel, and wherein the at least one channel of theabsorbent core aligns with the at least one liquid management systemchannel.

In another aspect, a disposable absorbent articles include a first waistregion, a second waist region, a crotch region disposed between thefirst and second waist regions, a first waist edge and a second waistedge, and a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, thedisposable absorbent articles further including a chassis that includesa topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between thetopsheet and the backsheet; wherein the disposable absorbent articlefurther comprises a leg gasketing system; wherein the leg gasketingsystem comprises a web of material forming an inner cuff and an outercuff; wherein the inner cuff comprises an inner cuff folded edge and aninner cuff material edge and the outer cuff comprises an outer cufffolded edge and an outer cuff material edge, such that the web ofmaterial is folded laterally inward to form the outer cuff folded edgeand folded laterally outward to form the inner cuff folded edge; whereinat least a portion of the web of material between the outer cuff foldededge and the outer cuff material edge is attached to the chassis in thefirst waist region, the second waist region and the crotch region; andat least a portion of the web of material between the inner cuff foldededge and the outer cuff folded edge is attached to the web of materialbetween the outer cuff folded edge and the outer cuff material edge inthe crotch region and the first waist region; wherein the outer cuffcomprises an elastics adhesive and at least one longitudinally orientedelastic member running parallel to the outer cuff folded edge, theelastics adhesive and at least one elastic member disposed between 1)the web of material between the outer cuff folded edge and the outercuff material edge and 2) the web of material between the outer cufffolded edge and the inner cuff folded edge; wherein in at least aportion of the second waist region, the outer cuff is free of elasticsadhesive and elastic members, thus forming a leg gasketing system pocketbetween 1) the web of material between the outer cuff folded edge andthe outer cuff material edge and 2) the web of material between theouter cuff folded edge and the inner cuff folded edge; the leg gasketingsystem pocket having an outboard longitudinal edge at the outer cufffolded edge; wherein the leg gasketing system pocket comprises anopening on an inboard longitudinal edge of the leg gasketing systempocket; and wherein the absorbent core comprises superabsorbent polymerenclosed within a core wrap, wherein the superabsorbent polymer isdisposed on an absorbent material deposition area within the core wrapand the absorbent material deposition area comprises at least onechannel which is at least partially oriented in the longitudinaldirection of the disposable absorbent article.

The disposable absorbent articles described herein comprise leggasketing systems that may comprise one web or multiple webs ofmaterial. The description and claims herein may refer to leg gasketingsystems that are formed from “a web of material.” The recitation of “aweb of material” encompasses a single continuous web of material,multiple webs of material that are joined together to become one web ofmaterial, or multiple distinct webs of material that are separate fromthe disposable absorbent article chassis, and form part of the leggasketing system. The leg gasketing systems described herein maycomprise N-fiber material or other non-woven materials.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an absorbent article as detailedherein.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross sectional view of the leg gasketing systemof FIG. 1, taken along the lateral centerline. The leg gasketing systemis shown in a flat, uncontracted state.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross sectional view of the leg gasketing systemsand topsheet of FIG. 1, the cross section taken along the lateralcenterline. The leg gasketing systems are shown in a flat, uncontractedstate.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross sectional view of the absorbent article ofFIG. 1, the cross section taken along the line A-A.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross sectional view of the absorbent article ofFIG. 1, the cross section taken along the line B-B.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross sectional view of the absorbent article ofFIG. 1, the cross section taken along the line C-C.

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross sectional view of the absorbent article ofFIG. 1 with an opacity strengthening patch, the cross section takenalong the line A-A.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross sectional view of the absorbent article ofFIG. 1 with an opacity strengthening patch, the cross section takenalong the line B-B.

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross sectional view of the absorbent article ofFIG. 1 with an opacity strengthening patch, the cross section takenalong the line C-C.

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross sectional view of an absorbent article asdescribed herein.

FIGS. 11a-t are schematic cross sectional views of additional leggasketing systems suitable for use in the absorbent articles detailedherein.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken about line 2-2 of the absorbentarticle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a view of the absorbent article of FIG. 12 where theabsorbent article has been loaded with fluid.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken about line 2-2 of the absorbentarticle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 is a top view of an absorbent core of the absorbent article ofFIG. 1 with some layers partially removed.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken about line 7-7 of the absorbentcore of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken about line 8-8 of the absorbentcore of FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is a top view of a liquid management system of the absorbentarticle of FIG. 1 with some layers partially removed.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken about line 10-10 of the liquidmanagement system of FIG. 18.

FIGS. 20-35 are partial cross-sectional views of absorbent articlescomprising channels in a liquid management system.

FIG. 36 is a schematic cross sectional view of a package of absorbentarticles as detailed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

As used herein, the following terms shall have the meaning specifiedthereafter:

“Disposable,” in reference to absorbent articles, means that theabsorbent articles are generally not intended to be laundered orotherwise restored or reused as absorbent articles (i.e., they areintended to be discarded after a single use and, preferably, to berecycled, composted or otherwise discarded in an environmentallycompatible manner).

“Absorbent article” refers to devices which absorb and contain bodyexudates and, more specifically, refers to devices which are placedagainst or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and containthe various exudates discharged from the body. Exemplary absorbentarticles include diapers, training pants, pull-on pant-type diapers(i.e., a diaper having a pre-formed waist opening and leg openings suchas illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,487), refastenable diapers orpant-type diapers, incontinence briefs and undergarments, diaper holdersand liners, feminine hygiene garments such as panty liners, absorbentinserts, and the like.

“Proximal” and “Distal” refer respectively to the location of an elementrelatively near to or far from the longitudinal or lateral centerline ofa structure (e.g., the proximal edge of a longitudinally extendingelement is located nearer to the longitudinal centerline than the distaledge of the same element is located relative to the same longitudinalcenterline).

“Body-facing” and “garment-facing” refer respectively to the relativelocation of an element or a surface of an element or group of elements.“Body-facing” implies the element or surface is nearer to the wearerduring wear than some other element or surface. “Garment-facing” impliesthe element or surface is more remote from the wearer during wear thansome other element or surface (i.e., element or surface is proximate tothe wearer's garments that may be worn over the disposable absorbentarticle).

“Longitudinal” refers to a direction running substantially perpendicularfrom a waist edge to an opposing waist edge of the article and generallyparallel to the maximum linear dimension of the article. Directionswithin 45 degrees of the longitudinal direction are considered to be“longitudinal”

“Lateral” refers to a direction running from a longitudinal edge to anopposing longitudinal edge of the article and generally at a right angleto the longitudinal direction. Directions within 45 degrees of thelateral direction are considered to be “lateral.”

“Disposed” refers to an element being located in a particular place orposition.

“Joined” refers to configurations whereby an element is directly securedto another element by affixing the element directly to the other elementand to configurations whereby an element is indirectly secured toanother element by affixing the element to intermediate member(s) whichin turn are affixed to the other element.

“Film” refers to a sheet-like material wherein the length and width ofthe material far exceed the thickness of the material. Typically, filmshave a thickness of about 0.5 mm or less.

“Water-permeable” and “water-impermeable” refer to the penetrability ofmaterials in the context of the intended usage of disposable absorbentarticles. Specifically, the term “water-permeable” refers to a layer ora layered structure having pores, openings, and/or interconnected voidspaces that permit liquid water, urine, or synthetic urine to passthrough its thickness in the absence of a forcing pressure. Conversely,the term “water-impermeable” refers to a layer or a layered structurethrough the thickness of which liquid water, urine, or synthetic urinecannot pass in the absence of a forcing pressure (aside from naturalforces such as gravity). A layer or a layered structure that iswater-impermeable according to this definition may be permeable to watervapor, i.e., may be “vapor-permeable.”

“Extendibility” and “extensible” mean that the width or length of thecomponent in a relaxed state can be extended or increased.

“Elasticated” and “elasticized” mean that a component comprises at leasta portion made of elastic material.

“Elongatable material,” “extensible material,” or “stretchable material”are used interchangeably and refer to a material that, upon applicationof a biasing force, can stretch to an elongated length of at least about110% of its relaxed, original length (i.e. can stretch to 10 percentmore than its original length), without rupture or breakage, and uponrelease of the applied force, shows little recovery, less than about 20%of its elongation without complete rupture or breakage as measured byEDANA method 20.2-89. In the event such an elongatable material recoversat least 40% of its elongation upon release of the applied force, theelongatable material will be considered to be “elastic” or“elastomeric.” For example, an elastic material that has an initiallength of 100 mm can extend at least to 150 mm, and upon removal of theforce retracts to a length of at least 130 mm (i.e., exhibiting a 40%recovery). In the event the material recovers less than 40% of itselongation upon release of the applied force, the elongatable materialwill be considered to be “substantially non-elastic” or “substantiallynon-elastomeric”. For example, an elongatable material that has aninitial length of 100 mm can extend at least to 150 mm, and upon removalof the force retracts to a length of at least 145 mm (i.e., exhibiting a10% recovery).

“Elastomeric material” is a material exhibiting elastic properties.Elastomeric materials may include elastomeric films, scrims, nonwovens,and other sheet-like structures.

“Pant” refers to disposable absorbent articles having a pre-formed waistand leg openings. A pant may be donned by inserting a wearer's legs intothe leg openings and sliding the pant into position about the wearer'slower torso. Pants are also commonly referred to as “closed diapers”,“prefastened diapers”, “pull-on diapers”, “training pants” and“diaper-pants.”

“Channel” refers to a region or zone in a material layer that has asubstantially lower basis weight (e.g., less than 50%, less than 70%,less than 90%) than the surrounding material in the material layer. Thechannel may be a region in a material layer that is substantiallymaterial-free (e.g., 90% material-free, 95% material-free, or 99%material-free, or completely material-free). A channel may extendthrough one or more material layers. The channels generally have a lowerbending modulus than the surrounding regions of the material layer,enabling the material layer to bend more easily and/or contain morebodily exudates within the channels than in the surrounding areas of thematerial layer. Thus, a channel is not merely an indentation in thematerial layer that does not create a reduced basis weight in thematerial layer in the area of the channel.

Absorbent Article:

The present disclosure is directed to a disposable absorbent articlewith a leg gasketing system that comprises a folded outer cuff havingneatly finished outer cuff folded edges that creates an aestheticallypleasing design that is garment like. The absorbent article also mayinclude a leg gasketing system pocket with an opening towards theinterior of the article, wherein the pocket reduces runny bowel movementleaks. The folded outer cuff design is advantageous in preventingpenetration and adhesive bleedthrough without the use of a polymericfilm layer in the elasticized region. The absorbent article may comprisean opacity strengthening patch to provide the strength needed to preventthe article from extending excessively during application and wearing,and provide the opacity at the sides and waist to prevent the skin ofthe user from showing through the article. The absorbent article maycomprise one or more waistbands on the lateral edges of the absorbentarticle. The absorbent article may comprise a channeled absorbent corethat provides rigidity to the absorbent article when loaded with urineand/or runny bowel movement.

An absorbent article design with the synergistic combination of bothneatly finished outer leg cuff folded edges and a channeled absorbentcore may combat some and/or all of the issues detailed in the background(e.g., saggy and/or poor fitting appearance). Accordingly, absorbentarticles with both neatly finished outer leg cuff folded edges and achanneled absorbent core may provide a more garment like diaperappearance that maintains a good fitting appearance even after loadedwith bodily fluids from the wearer.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an absorbent article 20 as described herein ina flat, uncontracted state. The garment-facing surface 120 of theabsorbent article 20 is facing the viewer. The absorbent article 20includes a longitudinal centerline 100 and a lateral centerline 110. Theabsorbent article 20 may comprise a chassis 22. The absorbent article 20and chassis 22 are shown to have a first waist region 36, a second waistregion 38 opposed to the first waist region 36, and a crotch region 37located between the first waist region 36 and the second waist region38. The waist regions 36 and 38 generally comprise those portions of theabsorbent article 20 which, when worn, encircle the waist of the wearer.The waist regions 36 and 38 may include elastic elements (e.g., awaistband) such that they gather about the waist of the wearer toprovide improved fit and containment. The crotch region 37 is theportion of the absorbent article 20 which, when the absorbent article 20is worn, is generally positioned between the legs of the wearer.

The outer periphery of chassis 22 is defined by longitudinal edges 12and waist edges (first waist edge 13 in first waist region 36 and secondwaist edge 14 in second waist region 38). The longitudinal edges 12 maybe subdivided into a front longitudinal edge 12 a, which is the portionof the longitudinal edge 12 in the first waist region 36, and a rearlongitudinal edge 12 b, which is the portion of the longitudinal edge 12in the rear waist region 38. The chassis 22 may have opposinglongitudinal edges 12 that are oriented generally parallel to thelongitudinal centerline 100. However, for better fit, longitudinal edges12, 12 a and 12 b of the chassis 22 may be curved or angled to produce,for example, an “hourglass” shape diaper when viewed in a plan view. Asseen in FIGS. 1, 4-9 and 12-14, when viewed in plan view, absorbentarticles may have the hourglass shaped chassis that is wider in thefront and back waist regions 36, 38 and narrower in the crotch region37. The leg gasketing systems 70 overhang the edge of the chassis 22 inthe crotch region 37 and in portions of the front and back waist regions36, 38. Accordingly, as seen in FIGS. 1, 4-9 and 12-14, in the crotchregion 37 and in portions of the front and back waist regions 36, 38nearer the crotch region 37, the outboard edge of the leg gasketingsystems 70 (i.e., the outer cuff folded edge 75) is outboard of theoutboard edge of the chassis 22; and in the portions of the front andback waist regions 36, 38 away from the crotch region 37 (i.e., nearerthe lateral edges 13, 14), the outboard edge of the leg gasketingsystems 70 (i.e., the outer cuff folded edge 75) is inboard of theoutboard edge of the chassis 22. And between the regions where theoutboard edge of the leg gasketing systems 70 (i.e., the outer cufffolded edge 75) is outboard of the outboard edge of the chassis 22, andthe region where the outboard edge of the leg gasketing systems 70(i.e., the outer cuff folded edge 75) is inboard of the outboard edge ofthe chassis 22, there are two points (one in the front waist region 36and one in the rear waist region 38) where the outboard edge of the leggasketing systems 70 (i.e., the outer cuff folded edge 75) iscoterminous with the outboard edge of the chassis 22. The chassis 22 mayalso have opposing lateral edges 13, 14 that are oriented generallyparallel to the lateral centerline 110.

The chassis 22 may comprise a liquid permeable topsheet 24, a backsheet26, and an absorbent core 28 between the topsheet 24 and the backsheet26. For absorbent articles that include one or more opacitystrengthening patches 80, the chassis 22 also comprises the opacitystrengthening patch(s). The absorbent core 28 may have a body-facingsurface and a garment facing-surface. The topsheet 24 may be joined tothe core 28 and/or the backsheet 26. The backsheet 26 may be joined tothe core 28 and/or the topsheet 24. It should be recognized that otherstructures, elements, or substrates may be positioned between the core28 and the topsheet 24 and/or backsheet 26. The absorbent article mayalso comprise a liquid management system (“LMS”) 150 (shown in FIGS. 19and 21) which in the example represented comprises a distribution layer154 and an acquisition layer 152, which will be further detailed below.The acquisition layer 152 may instead distribute bodily exudates and thedistribution layer 154 may instead acquire bodily exudates or bothlayers may distribute and/or acquire bodily exudates. The LMS 150 mayalso be provided as a single layer or two or more layers.

The absorbent core 28 may comprise 75% to 100%, at least 80%, at least85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99%, all by weight, ofabsorbent material (specifically reciting all 0.1% increments within theabove-specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby) and acore wrap enclosing the absorbent material. The core wrap may typicallycomprise two materials, substrates, or nonwoven materials 116 and 116′for the top side and bottom side of the core. The core may comprise oneor more channels. Additionally or alternatively, the LMS 150 maycomprise one or more channels. The channels of the LMS 150 may bepositioned within the absorbent article 20 such they aligned with,substantially aligned with, overlap, or at least partially overlap, thechannels of the absorbent core 28. These and other components of theabsorbent articles will now be discussed in more details.

Topsheet:

The topsheet 24 is generally a portion of the absorbent article 20 thatmay be positioned at least in partial contact or close proximity to awearer. Suitable topsheets 24 may be manufactured from a wide range ofmaterials, such as porous foams; reticulated foams; apertured plasticfilms; or woven or nonwoven webs of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cottonfibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers), ora combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The topsheet 24 isgenerally supple, soft feeling, and non-irritating to a wearer's skin.Generally, at least a portion of the topsheet 24 is liquid pervious,permitting liquid to readily penetrate through the thickness of thetopsheet 24. One topsheet 24 useful herein is available from BBAFiberweb, Brentwood, Tenn. as supplier code 055SLPV09U. The topsheet 24may be apertured.

Any portion of the topsheet 24 may be coated with a lotion or skin carecomposition as is known in the art. Non-limiting examples of suitablelotions include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,607,760; 5,609,587;5,635,191; and 5,643,588. The specific examples are not limiting, as anylotion or skin care composition known in the art may be utilized. Thetopsheet 24 may be fully or partially elasticized or may beforeshortened so as to provide a void space between the topsheet 24 andthe core 28. Exemplary structures including elasticized or foreshortenedtopsheets are described in more detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,892,536;4,990,147; 5,037,416; and 5,269,775.

Backsheet:

The backsheet 26 is generally positioned such that it may be at least aportion of the garment-facing surface 120 of the absorbent article 20.Backsheet 26 may be designed to prevent the exudates absorbed by andcontained within the absorbent article 20 from soiling articles that maycontact the absorbent article 20, such as bed sheets and undergarments.The backsheet 26 may be substantially water-impermeable. Suitablebacksheet 26 materials include films such as those manufactured byTredegar Industries Inc. of Terre Haute, Ind. and sold under the tradenames X15306, X10962, and X10964. Other suitable backsheet 26 materialsmay include breathable materials that permit vapors to escape from theabsorbent article 20 while still preventing exudates from passingthrough the backsheet 26. Exemplary breathable materials may includematerials such as woven webs, nonwoven webs, composite materials such asfilm-coated nonwoven webs, and microporous films such as manufactured byMitsui Toatsu Co., of Japan under the designation ESPOIR NO and by EXXONChemical Co., of Bay City, Tex., under the designation EXXAIRE. Suitablebreathable composite materials comprising polymer blends are availablefrom Clopay Corporation, Cincinnati, Ohio under the name HYTREL blendP18-3097. Such breathable composite materials are described in greaterdetail in PCT Application No. WO 95/16746 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,823.Other breathable backsheets including nonwoven webs and apertured formedfilms are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,096. An exemplary, suitablebacksheet is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,107,537. Other suitablematerials and/or manufacturing techniques may be used to provide asuitable backsheet 26 including, but not limited to, surface treatments,particular film selections and processing, particular filamentselections and processing, etc.

Backsheet 26 may also consist of more than one layer. The backsheet 26may comprise an outer cover and an inner layer. The outer cover may bemade of a soft, non-woven material. The inner layer may be made of asubstantially liquid-impermeable film. The outer cover and an innerlayer may be joined together by adhesive or any other suitable materialor method. A particularly suitable outer cover is available from CorovinGmbH, Peine, Germany as supplier code A18AH0, and a particularlysuitable inner layer is available from RKW Gronau GmbH, Gronau, Germanyas supplier code PGBR4WPR. While a variety of backsheet configurationsare contemplated herein, it would be obvious to those skilled in the artthat various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Ears/Fasteners:

The absorbent article 20 may include front ears 40 and/or back ears 42.The ears 40, 42 may be extensible, inextensible, elastic, or inelastic.The ears 40, 42 may be formed from nonwoven webs, woven webs, knittedfabrics, polymeric and elastomeric films, apertured films, sponges,foams, scrims, and combinations and laminates thereof. The ears 40, 42may be formed of a stretch laminate such as a nonwoven/elastomericmaterial laminate or a nonwoven/elastomeric material/nonwoven laminate.Stretch laminates may be formed by any method known in the art. Forexample, the ears 40, 42 may be formed as a zero strain stretchlaminate, which includes at least a layer of non-woven material and anelastomeric element. The elastomeric element is attached to the layer ofnon-woven material while in a relaxed or substantially relaxed state,and the resulting laminate is made stretchable (or more stretchable overa further range) by subjecting the laminate to an activation processwhich elongates the nonwoven layer permanently, but the elastomericelement temporarily. The nonwoven layer may be integral with at least aportion of the chassis 22, in which case the elastomeric element may beattached to the nonwoven layer and the non-woven/elastomeric elementlaminate is subsequently activated. Alternatively, the nonwoven layermay be a separate component, in which case the elastomeric element isattached to the nonwoven layer to form the laminate, which is thencoupled to the main portion. If one or more layers of the side panel areprovided separately, the laminate may be activated either before orafter attachment to the main portion. The zero strain activationprocesses is further disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,167,897 and5,156,793. A suitable elastic ear may be an activated laminatecomprising an elastomeric film (such as is available from Tredegar Corp,Richmond, Va., as supplier code X25007) disposed between two nonwovenlayers (such as is available from BBA Fiberweb, Brentwood, Tenn. assupplier code FPN332).

The ears 40, 42 may be discrete or integral. A discrete ear is formed asseparate element which is joined to the chassis 22. An integral ear is aportion of the chassis 22 that projects laterally outward from thelongitudinal edge 12. The integral ear may be formed by cutting thechassis form to include the shape of the ear projection.

The absorbent article 20 may also include a fastening system 50. Whenfastened, the fastening system 50 interconnects the first waist region36 and the rear waist region 38 resulting in a waist circumference thatmay encircle the wearer during wear of the absorbent article 20. Thefastening system 50 may comprises a fastener such as tape tabs, hook andloop fastening components, interlocking fasteners such as tabs & slots,buckles, buttons, snaps, and/or hermaphroditic fastening components,although any other known fastening means are generally acceptable. Someexemplary surface fastening systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.3,848,594; 4,662,875; 4,846,815; 4,894,060; 4,946,527; 5,151,092; and5,221,274. An exemplary interlocking fastening system is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 6,432,098. The fastening system 50 may also provide ameans for holding the article in a disposal configuration as disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 4,963,140. The fastening system 50 may also includeprimary and secondary fastening systems, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,699,622. The fastening system 50 may be constructed to reduce shiftingof overlapped portions or to improve fit as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,242,436; 5,499,978; 5,507,736; and 5,591,152.

Absorbent Core:

As used herein, the term “absorbent core” refers to the individualcomponent of the absorbent article having the most absorbent capacityand may comprise an absorbent material. The absorbent core may comprisea core wrap enclosing the absorbent material. The term “absorbent core”does not include the liquid management system or any other component ofthe absorbent article which is not either integral part of the core wrapor placed within the core wrap. The absorbent core may comprise, consistessentially of, or consist of, a core wrap, absorbent material asdefined below, and glue enclosed within the core wrap. The absorbentcore periphery, which may be the periphery of the core wrap, may defineany suitable shape, such as a “T,” “Y,” “hour-glass,” or “dog-bone”shape, for example. An absorbent core periphery having a generally “dogbone” or “hour-glass” shape may taper along its width towards the middleor “crotch” region of the core. In this way, the absorbent core may havea relatively narrow width in an area of the absorbent core intended tobe placed in the crotch region of an absorbent article.

The absorbent core 28 of the present disclosure may comprise anabsorbent material with a high amount of superabsorbent polymers (hereinabbreviated as “SAP”) enclosed within a core wrap. The SAP content mayrepresent 70% to 100% or at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or100% by weight of the absorbent material contained in the core wrap. Thecore wrap is not considered as absorbent material for the purpose ofassessing the percentage of SAP in the absorbent core.

“Absorbent material” means a material which has some absorbency propertyor liquid retaining properties, such as SAP, cellulosic fibers as wellas synthetic fibers. Typically, glues used in making absorbent coreshave no absorbency properties and are not considered as absorbentmaterial. The SAP content may be higher than 80%, for example at least85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, and even up to andincluding 100% of the weight of the absorbent material contained withinthe core wrap, as stated above. This provides a relatively thin corecompared to conventional cores typically comprising between 40-60% SAP,for example, and high content of cellulose fibers. The absorbentmaterial may comprise less than 15% or less than 10% weight percent ofnatural or synthetic fibers, less than 5% weight percent, less than 3%weight percent, less than 2% weight percent, less than 1% weightpercent, or may even be substantially free of, or free of, naturaland/or synthetic fibers, specifically reciting all 0.1% incrementswithin the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby.The absorbent material may advantageously comprise little or no airfelt(cellulose) fibers, in particular the absorbent core may comprise lessthan 15%, 10%, 5%, 3%, 2%, 1% airfelt (cellulose) fibers by weight, ormay even be substantially free of, or free of, cellulose fibers,specifically reciting all 0.1% increments within the specified rangesand all ranges formed therein or thereby.

The example absorbent core 28 of the absorbent article of FIG. 14 isshown in isolation in FIGS. 15-17. The absorbent core 28 may comprises afront side 280, a rear side 282, and two longitudinal sides 284, 286joining the front side 280 and the rear side 282. The absorbent core mayalso comprise a generally planar top side and a generally planar bottomside. The front side 280 of the core 28 is the side of the core 28intended to be placed towards the first waist edge 13 of the absorbentarticle. The core 28 may have a longitudinal axis 100′ correspondingsubstantially to the longitudinal axis 100 of the absorbent article, asseen from the top in a planar view as in FIG. 1. The absorbent materialmay be distributed in higher amount towards the front side than towardsthe rear side as more absorbency may be required at the front inparticular articles. Alternately, the absorbent material may have anon-uniform basis weight or a uniform basis weight across any portion ofthe core. The front and rear sides of the core may be shorter than thelongitudinal sides of the core. The core wrap may be formed by twononwoven materials, substrates, laminates, or other materials, 116, 116′which may be at least partially sealed along the sides of the absorbentcore. The core wrap may be at least partially sealed along its frontside 280, rear side 282, and two longitudinal sides 284, 286 so thatsubstantially no absorbent material leaks out of the absorbent corewrap. The first material, substrate, or nonwoven 116 may at leastpartially surround the second material, substrate, or nonwoven 116′ toform the core wrap, as illustrated in FIG. 16. The first material 116may surround a portion of the second material 116′ proximate to thefirst and second side edges 284 and 286.

The absorbent core of the present disclosure may comprise adhesive, forexample, to help in immobilizing the SAP within the core wrap and/or toensure integrity of the core wrap, in particular when the core wrap ismade of two or more substrates. The core wrap may extend to a largerarea than strictly needed for containing the absorbent material within.

Cores comprising relatively high amount of SAP with various core designsare disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,599,335 (Goldman), EP 1,447,066(Busam), WO 95/11652 (Tanzer), U.S. Pat. Publ. No. 2008/0312622A1(Hundorf), and WO 2012/052172 (Van Malderen).

The absorbent material may be one or more continuous layers presentwithin the core wrap. The absorbent material may be comprised ofindividual pockets or stripes of absorbent material enclosed within thecore wrap. In the first case, the absorbent material may be, forexample, obtained by the application of a single continuous layer ofabsorbent material. The continuous layer of absorbent material, inparticular of SAP, may also be obtained by combining two or moreabsorbent layers having discontinuous absorbent material applicationpattern, wherein the resulting layer is substantially continuouslydistributed across the absorbent particulate polymer material area, asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. Appl. Publ. No. 2008/0312622A1 (Hundorf), forexample. The absorbent core 28 may comprise a first absorbent layer anda second absorbent layer. The first absorbent layer may comprise thefirst material 116 and a first layer 161 of absorbent material, whichmay be 100% or less of SAP. The second absorbent layer may comprise thesecond material 116′ and a second layer 162 of absorbent material, whichmay also be 100% or less of SAP. The absorbent core 28 may also comprisea fibrous thermoplastic adhesive material 151 at least partially bondingeach layer of absorbent material 161, 162 to its respective material 116or 116′. This is illustrated in FIGS. 16-17, as an example, where thefirst and second SAP layers have been applied as transversal stripes or“land areas” having the same width as the desired absorbent materialdeposition area on their respective substrate before being combined. Thestripes may comprise different amount of absorbent material (SAP) toprovide a profiled basis weight along the longitudinal axis of the core100′. The first material 116 and the second material 116′ may form thecore wrap.

The fibrous thermoplastic adhesive material 151 may be at leastpartially in contact with the absorbent material 161, 162 in the landareas and at least partially in contact with the materials 116 and 116′in the junction areas. This imparts an essentially three-dimensionalstructure to the fibrous layer of thermoplastic adhesive material 151,which in itself is essentially a two-dimensional structure of relativelysmall thickness, as compared to the dimension in length and widthdirections. Thereby, the fibrous thermoplastic adhesive material mayprovide cavities to cover the absorbent material in the land area, andthereby immobilizes this absorbent material, which may be 100% or lessof SAP.

The thermoplastic adhesive material 151 may comprise, in its entirety, asingle thermoplastic polymer or a blend of thermoplastic polymers,having a softening point, as determined by the ASTM Method D-36-95 “Ringand Ball”, in the range between 50° C. and 300° C., and/or thethermoplastic adhesive material may be a hotmelt adhesive comprising atleast one thermoplastic polymer in combination with other thermoplasticdiluents such as tackifying resins, plasticizers and additives such asantioxidants.

The thermoplastic adhesive used for the fibrous layer may haveelastomeric properties, such that the web formed by the fibers on theSAP layer is able to be stretched as the SAP swell. Elastomeric,hot-melt adhesives of these types are described in more detail in U.S.Pat. No. 4,731,066 issued to Korpman on Mar. 15, 1988. The thermoplasticadhesive material may be applied as fibers.

Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP)

“Superabsorbent polymers” (“SAP”), as used herein, refer to absorbentmaterials which are cross-linked polymeric materials that can absorb atleast 10 times their weight of an aqueous 0.9% saline solution asmeasured using the Centrifuge Retention Capacity (CRC) test (EDANAmethod WSP 241.2-05E). The SAP used may have a CRC value of more than 20g/g, more than 24 g/g, from 20 to 50 g/g, from 20 to 40 g/g, or from 24to 30 g/g, specifically reciting all 0.1 g/g increments within theabove-specified ranges and any ranges created therein or thereby. TheSAP useful with the present disclosure may include a variety ofwater-insoluble, but water-swellable polymers capable of absorbing largequantities of fluids.

The superabsorbent polymer may be in particulate form so as to beflowable in the dry state. Particulate absorbent polymer materials maybe made of poly(meth)acrylic acid polymers. However, starch-basedparticulate absorbent polymer material may also be used, as wellpolyacrylamide copolymer, ethylene maleic anhydride copolymer,cross-linked carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers,cross-linked polyethylene oxide, and starch grafted copolymer ofpolyacrylonitrile. The superabsorbent polymer may be polyacrylates andpolyacrylic acid polymers that are internally and/or surfacecross-linked. Suitable materials are described in the PCT PatentApplication Nos. WO 07/047598, WO 07/046052, WO2009/155265, andWO2009/155264, for example. Suitable superabsorbent polymer particlesmay be obtained by generally known production processes as described inWO 2006/083584, for example.

The SAP useful for the present disclosure may be of numerous shapes. Theterm “particles” refers to granules, fibers, flakes, spheres, powders,platelets and other shapes and forms known to persons skilled in the artof superabsorbent polymer particles. The SAP particles may be in theshape of fibers, i.e., elongated, acicular superabsorbent polymerparticles. The superabsorbent polymer particles fibers may have a minordimension (i.e., diameter of the fiber) of less than about 1 mm, usuallyless than about 500 μm, or less than 250 μm down to 50 μm, specificallyreciting all 1 μm increments within the above-specified ranges and anyranges formed therein or thereby. The length of the fibers may be about3 mm to about 100 mm, specifically reciting all 1 mm increments withinthe above-specified range and any ranges formed therein or thereby. Thefibers may also be in the form of a long filament that may be woven.

SAP may be spherical-like particles. In contrast to fibers,“spherical-like particles” have a longest and a smallest dimension witha particulate ratio of longest to smallest particle dimension in therange of 1-5, where a value of 1 would equate a perfectly sphericalparticle and 5 would allow for some deviation from such a sphericalparticle. The superabsorbent polymer particles may have a particle sizeof less than 850 μm, from 50 to 850 μm, from 100 to 710 μm, or from 150to 650 μm, specifically reciting all 1 μm increments within theabove-specified ranges and any ranges formed therein or thereby, asmeasured according to EDANA method WSP 220.2-05. SAP having a relativelylow particle size may help to increase the surface area of the absorbentmaterial which is in contact with liquid exudates and therefore supportsfast absorption of liquid exudates.

The SAP may have a particle size in the range from 45 μm to 4000 μm,more specifically a particle size distribution within the range of from45 μm to about 2000 μm, or from about 100 μm to about 1000, 850 or 600μm, specifically reciting all 1 μm increments within the above-specifiedranges and any ranges formed therein or thereby. The particle sizedistribution of a material in particulate form can be determined, forexample, by means of dry sieve analysis (EDANA 420.02 “Particle Sizedistribution). The surface of the SAP may be coated, for example, with acationic polymer. Certain cationic polymers may include polyamine orpolyimine materials. The absorbent core may comprise one or more typesof SAP.

For most absorbent articles, liquid discharges from a wearer occurpredominately in the front half of the absorbent article, in particularfor a diaper. The front half of the absorbent article (as defined by theregion between the front edge and the lateral axis 110) may thereforecomprise most of the absorbent capacity of the core). Thus, at least 60%of the SAP, or at least 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, or 85% of the SAP may bepresent in the front half of the absorbent article, the remaining SAPbeing disposed in the rear half of the absorbent article. The SAPdistribution may be uniform through the core or may have other suitabledistributions.

The total amount of SAP present in the absorbent core may also varyaccording to expected user. Diapers for newborns may require less SAPthan infant, child, or adult incontinence diapers. The amount of SAP inthe core may be about 5 to 60 g or from 5 to 50 g, specifically recitingall 0.1 increments within the specified ranges and any ranged formedtherein or thereby. The average SAP basis weight within the (or “atleast one”, if several are present) deposition area 8 of the SAP may beat least 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 or more g/m². The areas of thechannels (e.g., 27, 27′) present in the absorbent material depositionarea 8 are deduced from the absorbent material deposition area tocalculate this average basis weight.

Core Wrap

The core wrap may be made of a single substrate, material, or nonwovenfolded around the absorbent material, or may comprise two (or more)substrates, materials, or nonwovens which are attached to another.Typical attachments are the so-called C-wrap and/or sandwich wrap. In aC-wrap, as illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 12, 14 and 16, thelongitudinal and/or transversal edges of one of the substrates arefolded over the other substrate to form flaps. These flaps are thenbonded to the external surface of the other substrate, typically bygluing. Other techniques may be used to form a core wrap. For example,the longitudinal and/or transversal edges of the substrates may bebonded together and then folded underneath the absorbent core 28 andbonded in that position.

The core wrap may be formed by any materials suitable for receiving andcontaining the absorbent material. Typical substrate materials used inthe production of conventional cores may be used, in particular paper,tissues, films, wovens or nonwovens, or laminates or composites of anyof these. The core wrap may be formed by a nonwoven web, such as acarded nonwoven, spunbond nonwoven (“S”) or meltblown nonwoven (“M”),and laminates of any of these. For example, spunmelt polypropylenenonwovens may be suitable, in particular those having a laminate webSMS, or SMMS, or SSMMS, structure, and having a basis weight range ofabout 5 gsm to about 15 gsm. Suitable materials are disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 7,744,576, U.S. Pat. Publ. No. 2011/0268932A1, U.S. Pat. Publ.No. 2011/0319848A1, and U.S. Pat. Publ. No. 2011/0250413A1. Nonwovenmaterials provided from synthetic fibers may also be used, such as PE,PET, and/or PP, for example.

If the core wrap comprises a first substrate, nonwoven or material 116and a second substrate, nonwoven, or materials 116′ these may be made ofthe same type of material, may be made of different materials, or one ofthe substrates may be treated differently than the other to provide itwith different properties. As the polymers used for nonwoven productionare inherently hydrophobic, they may be coated with hydrophilic coatingsif placed on the fluid receiving side of the absorbent core. It may beadvantageous that the top side of the core wrap, i.e., the side placedcloser to the wearer in the absorbent article, be more hydrophilic thanthe bottom side of the core wrap. A possible way to produce nonwovenswith durably hydrophilic coatings is via applying a hydrophilic monomerand a radical polymerization initiator onto the nonwoven, and conductinga polymerization activated via UV light resulting in monomer chemicallybound to the surface of the nonwoven. An alternative possible way toproduce nonwovens with durably hydrophilic coatings is to coat thenonwoven with hydrophilic nanoparticles, e.g., as described in WO02/064877.

Permanently hydrophilic nonwovens are also useful. Surface tension, asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,744,576 (Busam et al.), can be used tomeasure how permanently a certain hydrophilicity level is achieved.Liquid strike through, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,744,576, may beused to measure the hydrophilicity level. The first and/or secondsubstrate may have a surface tension of at least 55, at least 60, or atleast 65 mN/m or higher when wetted with saline solution. The substratemay also have a liquid strike through time of less than 5 seconds for afifth gush of liquid. These values can be measured using the testmethods described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,744,576B2: “Determination ofSurface Tension” and “Determination of Strike Through” respectively.

Hydrophilicity and wettability are typically defined in terms of contactangle and the strike through time of the fluids, for example, through anonwoven fabric. This is discussed in detail in the American ChemicalSociety publication entitled “Contact angle, wettability and adhesion”,edited by Robert F. Gould (Copyright 1964). A substrate having a lowercontact angle between the water and the surface of substrate may be saidto be more hydrophilic than another.

The substrates may also be air-permeable. Films useful herein maytherefore comprise micro-pores. The substrate may have anair-permeability of from 40 or from 50, to 300 or to 200 m³/(m²×min), asdetermined by EDANA method 140-1-99 (125 Pa, 38.3 cm²). The material ofthe core wrap may alternatively have a lower air-permeability, e.g.,being non-air-permeable, for example, to facilitate handling on a movingsurface comprising vacuum.

The core wrap may be at least partially sealed along all the sides ofthe absorbent core so that substantially no absorbent material leaks outof the core. By “substantially no absorbent material” it is meant thatless than 5%, less than 2%, less than 1%, or about 0% by weight ofabsorbent material escape the core wrap. The term “seal” is to beunderstood in a broad sense. The seal does not need to be continuousalong the whole periphery of the core wrap but may be discontinuousalong part or the whole of it, such as formed by a series of seal pointsspaced on a line. A seal may be formed by gluing and/or thermal bonding.

If the core wrap is formed by two substrates 116, 116′, four seals maybe used to enclose the absorbent material 160 within the core wrap. Forexample, a first substrate 116 may be placed on one side of the core(the top side as represented in the Figures) and extend around thecore's longitudinal edges to at least partially wrap the opposed bottomside of the core. The second substrate 116′ may be present between thewrapped flaps of the first substrate 116 and the absorbent material 160.The flaps of the first substrate 116 may be glued to the secondsubstrate 116′ to provide a strong seal. This so called C-wrapconstruction may provide benefits such as improved resistance tobursting in a wet loaded state compared to a sandwich seal. The frontside and rear side of the core wrap may then also be sealed by gluingthe first substrate and second substrate to another to provide completeencapsulation of the absorbent material across the whole of theperiphery of the core. For the front side and rear side of the core, thefirst and second substrates may extend and may be joined together in asubstantially planar direction, forming for these edges a so-calledsandwich construction. In the so-called sandwich construction, the firstand second substrates may also extend outwardly on all sides of the coreand be sealed flat, or substantially flat, along the whole or parts ofthe periphery of the core typically by gluing and/or heat/pressurebonding. Neither the first nor the second substrates need to be shaped,so that they can be rectangularly cut for ease of production but othershapes are within the scope of the present disclosure.

The core wrap may also be formed by a single substrate which may encloseas in a parcel wrap the absorbent material and be sealed along the frontside and rear side of the core and one longitudinal seal

SAP Deposition Area

The absorbent material deposition area 108 may be defined by theperiphery of the layer formed by the absorbent material 160 within thecore wrap, as seen from the top side of the absorbent core. Theabsorbent material deposition area 108 may have various shapes, inparticular, a so-called “dog bone” or “hour-glass” shape, which shows atapering along its width towards the middle or “crotch” region of thecore. In this way, the absorbent material deposition area 108 may have arelatively narrow width in an area of the core intended to be placed inthe crotch region of the absorbent article. This may provide betterwearing comfort. The absorbent material deposition area 108 may thushave a width (as measured in the transversal direction) at its narrowestpoint which is less than about 100 mm, 90 mm, 80 mm, 70 mm, 60 mm, oreven less than about 50 mm. This narrowest width may further be at least5 mm, or at least 10 mm, smaller than the width of the deposition area 8at its largest point in the front and/or rear regions deposition area108. The absorbent material deposition area 108 may also be generallyrectangular, for example as shown in FIG. 15, but other depositionareas, such as a “T,” “Y,” “hour-glass,” or “dog-bone” shapes are alsowithin the scope of the present disclosure.

The basis weight (amount deposited per unit of surface) of the SAP mayalso be varied along the deposition area 108 to create a profileddistribution of absorbent material, in particular SAP, in thelongitudinal direction, in the transversal direction, or both directionsof the core. Hence, along the longitudinal axis of the core, the basisweight of absorbent material may vary, as well as along the transversalaxis, or any axis parallel to any of these axes. The basis weight of SAPin areas of relatively high basis weight may thus be at least 10%, 20%,30%, 40%, or 50% higher than in an area of relatively low basis weight.The SAP present in the absorbent material deposition area 108 at thelevel of the crotch point C, as illustrated in FIG. 18, may have moreSAP per unit of surface deposited as compared to another area of theabsorbent material deposition area 108.

The absorbent material may be deposited using known techniques, whichmay allow relatively precise deposition of SAP at relatively high speed.In particular, the SAP printing technology as disclosed in U.S. Pat.Publ. No. 2008/0312617 and U.S. Pat. Publ. No. 2010/0051166A1 (both toHundorf et al.) may be used. This technique uses a printing roll todeposit SAP onto a substrate disposed on a grid of a support which mayinclude a plurality of cross bars extending substantially parallel toand spaced from one another so as to form channels extending between theplurality of cross-bars. This technology allows high-speed and precisedeposition of SAP on a substrate. The channels of the absorbent core maybe formed for example by modifying the pattern of the grid and receivingdrums so that no SAP is applied in areas corresponding to the channels.EP application number 11169396.6 discloses this modification in moredetails

Channels in the Absorbent Core

The absorbent material deposition area 108 may comprise at least onechannel 126 free of, or substantially free of, absorbent material,wherein the at least one channel is at least partially oriented in thelongitudinal direction of the absorbent article 100 (i.e., has alongitudinal vector component). Other channels may be at least partiallyoriented in the lateral direction (i.e., has a lateral vector component)or in any other direction. If the following, the plural form “channels”will be used to mean “at least one channel”. The channels may have alength L′ projected on the longitudinal axis 100 of the absorbentarticle that is at least 10% of the length L of the absorbent article.The channels may also be circular, oblong, or be in the shape of avariety of other closed polygons. The channels may be formed in variousways. For example, the channels may be formed by zones within theabsorbent material deposition area 108 which may be substantially freeof, or free of, absorbent material, in particular, SAP. In addition oralternatively, the channel(s) may also be formed by continuously ordiscontinuously bonding the top side of the core wrap to the bottom sideof the core wrap through the absorbent material deposition area 108. Thechannels may be continuous but it is also envisioned that the channelsmay be intermittent. The liquid management system 150, or another layerof the absorbent article, may also comprise channels, which may or notcorrespond to the channels of the absorbent core, as described in moredetail below.

The channels may be present at least at the same longitudinal level asthe crotch point C or the lateral axis 110 in the absorbent article, asrepresented in FIG. 15 with the two longitudinally extending channels126, 126′. When forming part of the absorbent article, the channels mayalso extend from the crotch region 107 or may be present in the frontwaist region 105 and/or in the rear waist region 106 of the absorbentarticle. When the absorbent core 28 is disposed in the absorbent article20, the crotch region 37 of the absorbent article 20 generally isaligned with the crotch region 107 of the absorbent core 28, the firstwaist region 36 of the absorbent article generally is aligned with thefront waist region 105 of the absorbent core, and the second waistregion 38 of the absorbent article generally is aligned with the rearwaist region 106 of the absorbent core.

The absorbent core 28 may also comprise more than two channels, forexample, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, or at least 6 or more.Shorter channels may also be present in the absorbent core, for examplein the front waist region 105 or the rear waist region 106 of theabsorbent core. The channels may comprise one or more pairs of channelssymmetrically arranged, or otherwise arranged relative to thelongitudinal axis 100′.

The channels may be particularly useful in the absorbent core when theabsorbent material deposition area is rectangular, as the channels mayimprove the flexibility of the core to an extent that there is lessadvantage in using a non-rectangular (shaped) core. Of course channelsmay also be present in a layer of SAP having a shaped deposition area.

The channels may extend substantially longitudinally, which means thateach channel extends more in the longitudinal direction than in thetransverse direction, or at least twice as much in the longitudinaldirection than in the transverse direction (as measured after projectionon the respective axis). The channels may extend substantiallylaterally, which means that each channel extends more in the lateraldirection than in the longitudinal direction, or at least twice as muchin the transverse direction than in the longitudinal direction (asmeasured after projection on the respective axis).

The channels may be completely oriented longitudinally and parallel tothe longitudinal axis or completely oriented transversely and parallelto the lateral axis, but also may be curved. Some or all of the channelsof the core, in particular the channels present in the crotch region107, may be concave towards the longitudinal axis 100, as, for example,represented in FIG. 15 for the pair of channels 126, 126′, such thatthey bend towards the longitudinal axis 100′. The channels 126, 126′ mayalso be convex, such they bend away from the longitudinal axis 100′, orhave any other suitable arrangement. The radius of curvature maytypically be at least equal (and may be at least 1.5 or at least 2.0times this average transverse dimension) to the average transversedimension of the absorbent layer; and also straight but under an angleof (e.g., from 5°) up to 30°, up to 20°, up to 10° with a line parallelto the longitudinal axis. The radius of curvature may be constant for achannel, or may vary along its length. This may also include channelswith an angle therein, provided the angle between two parts of a channelis at least 120°, at least 150°; and in any of these cases, provided thelongitudinal extension of the channel is more than the transverseextension. The channels may also be branched. For example, a centralchannel superposed with the longitudinal axis in the crotch region 107which branches towards the second waist edge 14 and/or towards the firstwaist edge 13 of the absorbent article.

There may be a channel coinciding with the longitudinal axis of theabsorbent article 100 or the core 100′, while alternately, there may notbe a channel that coincides with the longitudinal axis 100, 100′. Whenpresent as symmetrical pairs relative to the longitudinal axis 100,100′, the channels may be spaced apart from one another over their wholelongitudinal dimension. The smallest spacing distance may be at least 5mm, at least 10 mm, or at least 15 mm, for example.

Furthermore, in order to reduce the risk of fluid leakages, thelongitudinal main channels may not extend up to any of the edges of theabsorbent material deposition area 108, and may therefore be fullyencompassed within the absorbent material deposition area 108 of thecore. The smallest distance between a channel and the closest edge ofthe absorbent material deposition area 108 may be at least 5 mm.

The channels may have a width Wc1 along at least part of its lengthwhich is at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, up to for example20 mm, 16 mm, or 12 mm, for example. The width of the channel may beconstant through substantially the whole length of the channel or mayvary along its length. When the channels are formed by absorbentmaterial-free zones within the absorbent material deposition area 108,the width of the channels is considered to be the width of thematerial-free zones, disregarding the possible presence of the core wrapwithin the channels. If the channels are not formed by absorbentmaterial-free zones, for example mainly through bonding of the core wrapthrough the absorbent material zone, the width of the channels is thewidth of this bonding.

At least some or all of the channels may be permanent channels, meaningtheir integrity is at least partially maintained both in the dry stateand in the wet state. Permanent channels may be obtained by provision ofone or more adhesive materials, for example, the fibrous layer ofadhesive material or construction glue that helps adhere a substratewith an absorbent material within the walls of the channel. Permanentchannels may also be formed by bonding the upper side and lower side ofthe core wrap (e.g., the first substrate 116 and the second substrate116′) and/or the topsheet 24 to the backsheet 26 together through thechannels. Typically, an adhesive may be used to bond both sides of thecore wrap or the topsheet and the a backsheet through the channels, butit is possible to bond via other known processes, such as pressurebonding, ultrasonic bonding, heat bonding, or combination thereof. Thecore wrap or the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26 may be continuouslybonded or intermittently bonded along the channels. The channels mayadvantageously remain or become visible at least through the topsheetand/or backsheet when the absorbent article is fully loaded with afluid. This may be obtained by making the channels substantially free ofSAP, so they will not swell, and sufficiently large so that they willnot close when wet. Furthermore, bonding the core wrap to itself or thetopsheet to the backsheet through the channels may be advantageous.

The absorbent core 28 may comprise at least three channels or fourchannels. These channels may be free of, or substantially free of (e.g.,less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 3%, less than 2%, or less than1%), superabsorbent polymers and may be at least partially oriented inthe longitudinal direction and/or may be at least partially oriented inthe lateral direction. The longitudinal lengths of the channels 126 and126′ about the longitudinal axis 100′ may be the same, substantially thesame (e.g., within 2 mm or less of each other), or different. Theaverage lateral width over the longitudinal lengths of the channels 126and 126′ may be the same, substantially the same, or may be different.The average lateral width of the channels 126, 126′ may be the same,substantially the same, or different.

In addition to the first and second channels 126 and 126′, an absorbentcore 28 may comprise a pocket (not shown) in the crotch region 107and/or the rear waist region 106 and one or more channels in the rearwaist region 106 and/or the crotch region 107. Alternately, a pocket maybe in the crotch region 107 and/or the front waist region 105 and theone or more channels may be in the crotch region 107 and/or the frontwaist region 105. The pocket and the one or more channels may be BMpockets or channels and/or urine management pockets and/or channels.

Liquid Management System:

The LMS 150 of the present disclosure may sometimes be referred to asacquisition-distribution system (“ADS”) or an acquisition system. Onefunction of the LMS 150 is to quickly acquire the fluid and distributeit to the absorbent core in an efficient manner. The LMS 150 maycomprise one, two or more layers, which may form a unitary layer or mayremain as discrete layers which may be attached to each other. The LMS150 may comprise two layers: a distribution layer 154 and an acquisitionlayer 152 disposed between the absorbent core and the topsheet.

The LMS 150 may comprise SAP as this may slow the acquisition anddistribution of the fluid. The LMS may be substantially free (e.g., 80%,85%, 90%, 95%, or 99% free of) or completely free of SAP. The LMS mayalso comprise one or more of a variety of other suitable types ofmaterials, such as opened-cell foam, air-laid fibers, or carded, resinbonded nonwoven materials, for example. Suitable example LMSs aredescribed in WO 2000/59430 (Daley), WO 95/10996 (Richards), U.S. Pat.No. 5,700,254 (McDowall), and WO 02/067809 (Graef), for example. Any ofthe example LMSs 150 disclosed herein may be positioned in an absorbentarticle: (1) intermediate a liquid pervious material or topsheet orsecondary topsheet and an absorbent core; (2) intermediate an absorbentcore and a liquid impervious material or backsheet; (3) intermediate anabsorbent core and a liquid distribution layer; (4) intermediate aliquid distribution layer and a liquid impervious material or backsheet,or may be otherwise located within the absorbent article. More than oneLMS 150 may be provided in an absorbent article. The one or more LMSs150 may be provided above and/or below one or more absorbent cores.

Distribution Layer

The LMS 150 may comprise a distribution layer 154. The distributionlayer 154 may comprise at least 50% by weight of cross-linked cellulosefibers, for example. The cross-linked cellulosic fibers may be crimped,twisted, or curled, or a combination thereof including crimped, twisted,and curled. This type of material is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Publ. No.2008/0312622 A1 (Hundorf). The cross-linked cellulosic fibers providehigher resilience and therefore higher resistance to the first absorbentlayer against the compression in the product packaging or in useconditions, e.g., under baby weight. This provides the core with ahigher void volume, permeability, and liquid absorption, and hencereduced leakage and improved dryness.

Example chemically cross-linked cellulosic fibers suitable for adistribution layer are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,549,791, U.S. Pat.No. 5,137,537, WO 9534329, or U.S. Pat. App. Publ. No. 2007/118087.Example cross-linking agents include polycarboxylic acids such as citricacid and/or polyacrylic acids such as acrylic acid and maleic acidcopolymers.

The distribution layer 154 comprising cross-linked cellulose fibers ofthe present disclosure may comprise other fibers, but this layer mayadvantageously comprise at least 50%, or 60%, or 70%, or 80%, or 90%, oreven up to 100%, by weight of the layer, of cross-linked cellulosefibers (including the cross-linking agents). Examples of such mixedlayer of cross-linked cellulose fibers may comprise about 70% by weightof chemically cross-linked cellulose fibers, about 10% by weightpolyester (PET) fibers, and about 20% by weight untreated pulp fibers.In another example, the layer of cross-linked cellulose fibers maycomprise about 70% by weight chemically cross-linked cellulose fibers,about 20% by weight lyocell fibers, and about 10% by weight PET fibers.In another example, the layer may comprise about 68% by weightchemically cross-linked cellulose fibers, about 16% by weight untreatedpulp fibers, and about 16% by weight PET fibers. In another example, thelayer of cross-linked cellulose fibers may comprise from about 90-100%by weight chemically cross-linked cellulose fibers.

The distribution layer 154 may be a material having a water retentionvalue of from 25 to 60 or from 30 to 45, measured as indicated in theprocedure disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,537.

The distribution layer may typically have an average basis weight offrom 30 to 400 g/m² or from 100 to 300 g/m², specifically reciting all1.0 g/m² increments within the above-specified ranges and any rangesformed therein or thereby. The density of the distribution layer mayvary depending on the compression of the absorbent article, but may bebetween 0.03 to 0.15 g/cm3 or 0.08 to 0.10 g/cm3, specifically recitingall 1.0 g/cm3 increments within the above-specified ranges and anyranges formed therein or thereby, measured at 0.30 psi (2.07 kPa)

Acquisition Layer

The LMS 150 may alternatively or additionally comprise an acquisitionlayer 152. The acquisition layer 152 may be disposed, for example,between the distribution layer 154 and the topsheet 24. The acquisitionlayer 152 may be or may comprise a non-woven material, such as an SMS orSMMS material, comprising a spunbonded, a melt-blown and a furtherspunbonded layer or alternatively a carded chemical-bonded nonwoven. Theacquisition layer 152 may comprise air or wet-laid cellulosic,cross-linked cellulosic, or synthetic fibers, or blends thereof. Theacquisition layer 152 may comprise a roll-stock web of synthetic fibers(which may be processed to increase void space, such as by solid stateformation), or a combination of synthetic and cellulosic fibers, bondedtogether to form a highloft material. Alternatively, the acquisitionlayer 152 may comprise absorbent open cell foam. The nonwoven materialmay be latex bonded. Example acquisition layers are disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 7,786,341. Carded, resin-bonded nonwovens may be used, inparticular where the fibers used are solid round or round hollow PETstaple fibers (50/50 or 40/60 mix of 6 denier and 9 denier fibers). Anexample binder is a butadiene/styrene latex. Nonwovens have theadvantage that they can be manufactured outside the converting line andstored and used as a roll of material. The acquisition layer 152 may bestabilized by a latex binder, for example a styrene-butadiene latexbinder (SB latex).

A further acquisition layer may be used in addition to a firstacquisition layer described above. For example, a tissue, nonwoven, orother layer may be placed between the first acquisition layer and thedistribution layer. The tissue may have enhanced capillaritydistribution properties compared to the acquisition layer describedabove. The tissue, nonwoven, or other layer and the first acquisitionlayer may be of the same size or may be of a different size. Forexample, the tissue, nonwoven, or other layer may extend further in therear of the absorbent article than the first acquisition layer. Anexample of hydrophilic tissue is a 13-15 gsm high wet strength made ofcellulose fibers from supplier Havix.

The composition used to form fibers for the base substrate of theacquisition layer 152 may comprise thermoplastic polymeric andnon-thermoplastic polymeric materials. The thermoplastic polymericmaterial must have rheological characteristics suitable for meltspinning. The molecular weight of the polymer must be sufficient toenable entanglement between polymer molecules and yet low enough to bemelt spinnable. For melt spinning, thermoplastic polymers have molecularweights below about 1,000,000 g/mol; from about 5,000 g/mol to about750,000 g/mol; from about 10,000 g/mol to about 500,000 g/mol; and fromabout 50,000 g/mol to about 400,000 g/mol. Unless specified elsewhere,the molecular weight indicated is the number average molecular weight.

The thermoplastic polymeric materials are able to solidify relativelyrapidly, preferably under extensional flow, and form a thermally stablefiber structure, as typically encountered in known processes such as aspin draw process for staple fibers or a spunbond continuous fiberprocess. Polymeric materials may comprise, but are not limited to,polypropylene and polypropylene copolymers, polyethylene andpolyethylene copolymers, polyester and polyester copolymers, polyamide,polyimide, polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoate, polyvinyl alcohol,ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyacrylates, and copolymers thereof andmixtures thereof. Other suitable polymeric materials includethermoplastic starch compositions as described in detail in U.S. Pat.App. Publ. No. 2003/0109605A1 and 2003/0091803. Other suitable polymericmaterials include ethylene acrylic acid, polyolefin carboxylic acidcopolymers, and combinations thereof. The polymers described in U.S.Pat. No. 6,746,766, U.S. Pat. No. 6,818,295, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,946,506and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 03/0,092,343. Common thermoplasticpolymer fiber grade materials may be used, such as polyester basedresins, polypropylene based resins, polylactic acid based resin,polyhydroxyalkonoate based resin, and polyethylene based resin andcombination thereof. Some articles use polyester and polypropylene basedresins.

Nonlimiting examples of thermoplastic polymers suitable for use in thepresent disclosure include aliphatic polyesteramides; aliphaticpolyesters; aromatic polyesters including polyethylene terephthalates(PET) and copolymer (coPET), polybutylene terephthalates and copolymers;polytrimethylene terephthalates and copolymers; polypropyleneterephthalates and copolymers; polypropylene and propylene copolymers;polyethylene and polyethylene copolymers; aliphatic/aromaticcopolyesters; polycaprolactones; poly(hydroxyalkanoates) includingpoly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate),poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hexanoate), or other higherpoly(hydroxybutyrate-co-alkanoates) as referenced in U.S. Pat. No.5,498,692 to Noda; polyesters and polyurethanes derived from aliphaticpolyols (i.e., dialkanoyl polymers); polyamides; polyethylene/vinylalcohol copolymers; lactic acid polymers including lactic acidhomopolymers and lactic acid copolymers; lactide polymers includinglactide homopolymers and lactide copolymers; glycolide polymersincluding glycolide homopolymers and glycolide copolymers; and mixturesthereof. Additional examples include aliphatic polyesteramides,aliphatic polyesters, aliphatic/aromatic copolyesters, lactic acidpolymers, and lactide polymers.

Suitable lactic acid and lactide polymers include those homopolymers andcopolymers of lactic acid and/or lactide which have a weight averagemolecular weight generally ranging from about 10,000 g/mol to about600,000 g/mol; from about 30,000 g/mol to about 400,000 g/mol; or fromabout 50,000 g/mol to about 200,000 g/mol. An example of commerciallyavailable polylactic acid polymers includes a variety of polylacticacids that are available from the Chronopol Incorporation located inGolden, Colo., and the polylactides sold under the tradename EcoPLAO.Examples of suitable commercially available polylactic acid areNATUREWORKS from Cargill Dow and LACEA from Mitsui Chemical.Homopolymers or copolymers of poly lactic acid having a meltingtemperature from about 160° to about 175° C. may be used. Modified polylactic acid and different stereo configurations may also be used, suchas poly L-lactic acid and poly D,L-lactic acid with D-isomer levels upto 75%. Optional racemic combinations of D and L isomers to produce highmelting temperature PLA polymers may be used. These high meltingtemperature PL polymers are special PLA copolymers (with theunderstanding that the D-isomer and L-isomer are treated as differentstereo monomers) with melting temperatures above ° C. 180 These highmelting temperatures are achieved by special control of the crystallitedimensions to increase the average melting temperature.

Depending upon the specific polymer used, the process, and the final useof the fiber, more than one polymer may be desired. The polymers of thepresent disclosure are present in an amount to improve the mechanicalproperties of the fiber, the opacity of the fiber, optimize the fluidinteraction with the fiber, improve the processability of the melt, andimprove attenuation of the fiber. The selection and amount of thepolymer will also determine if the fiber is thermally bondable andaffect the softness and texture of the final product. The fibers of thepresent disclosure may comprise a single polymer, a blend of polymers,or be multicomponent fibers comprising more than one polymer. The fibersin the present disclosure are thermally bondable.

Multiconstituent blends may be desired. For example, blends ofpolyethylene and polypropylene (referred to hereafter as polymer alloys)can be mixed and spun using this technique. Another example would beblends of polyesters with different viscosities or monomer content.Multicomponent fibers can also be produced that contain differentiablechemical species in each component. Non-limiting examples would includea mixture of 25 melt flow rate (MFR) polypropylene with 50MFRpolypropylene and 25MFR homopolymer polypropylene with 25MFR copolymerof polypropylene with ethylene as a comonomer.

The polymeric materials may have melting temperatures above 110° C.,above 130° C., above 145° C., above 160° C. or above 200° C. Polymerswith high glass transition temperatures may be desired. Glass transitiontemperatures in the end-use fiber form may be used that are above −10°C., which are above 0° C., which are above 20° C., or that are above 50°C. This combination of properties produces fibers that are stable atelevated temperatures. Examples of materials of this type arepolypropylene, polylactic acid based polymers, and polyesterterephthalate (PET) based polymer systems.

Channels in Liquid Management System

The LMS 150 of the absorbent article 20 may comprise channels that maygenerally enable better conformation of the absorbent article to thewearer's anatomy, leading to increased freedom-of-movement and reducedgapping. One or more of the channels of the LMS 150 may be configured towork in concert with various channels in the absorbent core 28, asdiscussed above. Furthermore, channels in the LMS 150 may also provideincreased void space to hold and distribute urine, feces or other bodyexudates within the absorbent article, leading to reduced leakage andskin contact. Channels in the LMS 150 may also provide internalserviceable indicia, especially when highlighted via physicaldifferences in texture, color and/or pattern, to facilitate achievingthe correct alignment of the absorbent article on a wearer. Thus, suchphysical differences may be, for example, visually and/or tactilelynoticeable.

Similar to the channels in the absorbent core 28, a channel in the LMS150 may be any region in a layer, or extending through more than onelayer, that has a substantially lower basis weight or thickness than thesurrounding material, as set forth in the definition of “channel” above.The channels in the LMS 150 may also serve to reduce the tension forcesto enable controlled bending and maintain the LMS 150 in close proximityto the absorbent core 28. Thus, the presence of channels in the LMS 150,which may or may not be aligned with any channels in an underlyingabsorbent core 28, may generally function as hinges to allow for a moreflexible composite structure. In some cases, for example, the channelsof the LMS 150 allow for the LMS 150 to move toward the absorbent core28 in a controlled bending arrangement, thereby limiting the separationbetween the LMS 150 and the absorbent core 28. Moreover, a channel inthe LMS 150 may assist in the routing of fluid or other bodily exudatesfrom one region of the absorbent article 20 to another region of theabsorbent article 20. Such routing may desirably improve the overalldistribution of fluid through the absorbent article 20 and may lead toincrease in comfort, wearability, or longevity of the article.

For multi-layered LMSs, the channels may be present in one or morelayers of the LMS 150 and may vary in their dimensions in all threeplanes of reference. The width of a given channel in the LMS 150 mayvary in the longitudinal direction (i.e., in a direction substantiallyparallel to the longitudinal axis of the absorbent article). A channelmay also have a different width, length, and/or volume in front of alateral axis or lateral separation element of the absorbent article thanbehind the lateral axis or lateral separation element. The channels ofthe LMS 150 may have a range of widths, lengths, shapes, volumes, andpatterns, similar to the channels described above with regard to theabsorbent core 28.

A channel in the LMS 150 of the back portion of an absorbent article maybe referred to as a bowel movement “BM” channel or BM pocket and may begenerally aligned with and overlapping the longitudinal centerline inthe back portion of the absorbent article or may be otherwise located. Aportion of the channel may be positioned in the LMS 150 such that isgenerally aligns with the wearer's ischium and may have a width in therange of about 10 mm to about 30 mm, for example. Rearward of thislocation, the channel width may or may not increase gradually orabruptly to about 25 mm to about 150 mm, for example. The width of thechannel may decrease again as it approaches the rear waist region of theabsorbent article. The volume of the channel may be in the range ofabout 10 cm³ to about 200 cm³, for example. The ratio of the maximumchannel width to the width at the wearer's ischium may range from about1.5 to about 15. At least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about75%, at least about 80%, or at least about 85% of the total volume ofall the channels in the LMS may lie rearward of the lateral centerline.At least about 60% to about 85% of the total volume of all the channelsin the LMS may lie rearward of the lateral centerline.

One or more channels in the LMS 150 may at least partially overlap, orfully overlap, a channel in the absorbent core 28, creating a deeperrecess in the overlapping regions. For articles where the LMS 150includes more than one layer, the layer closest to the absorbent core 28may include a channel. One or more layers in the structure, such as thetopsheet 24, an acquisition layer 152, distribution layer 154, or otherlayers, may be bonded to an element of the absorbent core 28 in thisregion to increase the depth of the combined channel. The channel in theacquisition layer 152 of the LMS 150 and the channel in the absorbentcore 28 may be coincident such that the channels are completelyoverlapping. Alternately, channels in the LMS and storage layers mayhave no overlapping area. Other articles have a vertical overlap betweenthe channels in the two layers that encompass the intervening range suchthat they partially overlap. Example channel arrangements are describedin more detail below with regard to FIGS. 28-42.

Where the topsheet 24 includes apertures, the apertures may be fully orpartially aligned or overlapping with at least one channel in the LMS150, whereas in other articles, the apertures may not align with anychannel in the LMS 150. At least one layer on or proximate to thegarment-facing side and/or the wearer-side of the absorbent article 20may include a pattern, image, color, or tint resulting in an increasedvisual distinctiveness of the channel of the LMS 150 and serve as aninternal serviceable indicia to facilitate more accurate alignment ofthe absorbent article on the wearer during the application process.

Referring again to FIGS. 12-14, the LMS 150 in the illustrated articleis shown defining two channels 149, 149′. The channels 149, 149′ are atleast partially oriented in the longitudinal direction of the absorbentarticle 100 (i.e., has a longitudinal vector component). Other channelsin the LMS may be at least partially oriented in the lateral direction(i.e., has a lateral vector component) or in any other direction and thechannels in the LMS 150 may be continuous or intermittent. Some channelsin the LMS may be round, oblong, square, rectangular, triangular or anyother suitable shape. The channels may have a length projected on thelongitudinal axis 100 of the absorbent article that is at least 10% ofthe length L of the absorbent article. The channels may be formed invarious ways. For example, the channels may be formed by zones withinthe LMS 150 which may be substantially free of, or free of, acquisitionor distribution material.

The channels of the LMS 150 may be present at least at the samelongitudinal level as the crotch point C or the lateral axis 110 in theabsorbent article. The channels may also extend from the crotch region107 or may be present in the front waist region 105 and/or in the rearwaist region 106 of the absorbent article. In FIGS. 12-14, the channels149, 149′ are generally coincident with channels 126, 126′, withchannels 126, 126′ having a longer length in the longitudinal directiontowards the first waist edge 13 of the absorbent article 20.

The LMS 150 may define any suitable number of channels, such as at leastone, more than two channels, at least three, at least four, at leastfive, or at least six or more. Shorter channels may also be present, forexample in the rear waist region 106 or the front waist region 105 ofthe LMS 150. The channels of the LMS 150 may comprise one or more pairsof channels symmetrically arranged, or otherwise arranged relative tothe longitudinal axis 100 and/or the lateral axis 110, or othertransverse axis.

The channels of the LMS 150 may extend substantially longitudinally,which means that each channel extends more in the longitudinal directionthan in the transverse direction, or at least twice as much in thelongitudinal direction than in the transverse direction (as measuredafter projection on the respective axis). The channels of the LMS 150may extend substantially laterally, which means that each channelextends more in the lateral direction than in the longitudinaldirection, or at least twice as much in the transverse direction than inthe longitudinal direction (as measured after projection on therespective axis).

Similar to the channels in the absorbent core, the channels of the LMS150 may be completely oriented longitudinally and parallel to thelongitudinal axis or completely oriented transversely and parallel tothe lateral axis, but also may be curved or have a combination of curvedand linear components. Some or all the channels, in particular thechannels of the LMS 150 present in the crotch region 107, may be concavewith respect to the longitudinal axis 100, such that they bend towardsthe longitudinal axis 100. The channels 149, 149′ may also be convex,such they bend away from the longitudinal axis 100, or have any othersuitable arrangement. The channels 149, 149′ may generally align withthe channels 126, 126′ in the absorbent core, although this disclosureis not so limited. The radius of curvature may typically be at leastequal (and may be at least 1.5 or at least 2.0 times this averagetransverse dimension) to the average transverse dimension of theabsorbent layer; and also straight but under an angle of (e.g., from 5°)up to 30°, up to 20°, up to 10° with a line parallel to the longitudinalaxis. The radius of curvature may be constant for a channel, or may varyalong its length. This may also include channels with an angle therein,provided the angle between two parts of a channel is at least 120°, atleast 150°; and in any of these cases, provided the longitudinalextension of the channel is more than the transverse extension. Thechannels of the LMS 150 may also be branched. For example, a centralchannel superposed with the longitudinal axis in the crotch region 107which branches towards the second waist edge 14 and/or towards the firstwaist edge 13 of the absorbent article. There may be no channel in theLMS 150 that coincides with the longitudinal axis 100 of the absorbentarticle. When present as symmetrical pairs relative to the longitudinalaxis 100, the channels may be spaced apart from one another over theirwhole longitudinal dimension. The smallest spacing distance may be atleast 5 mm, at least 10 mm, or at least 15 mm, for example.

Furthermore, in order to reduce the risk of fluid leakages, the channelsof the LMS 150 may therefore be fully encompassed within the LMS 150.The smallest distance between a channel and the closest edge of the LMS150 may be at least 5 mm.

The channels of the LMS 150 may have a width Wc2 along at least part ofits length which is at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, up tofor example 20 mm, 16 mm, or 12 mm, for example. The width of thechannel may be constant through substantially the whole length of thechannel or may vary along its length. The channels of the LMS 150 mayhave similar or different widths Wc2 than the widths Wc1 of channelswithin the absorbent core 28. As illustrated in FIGS. 19-21, while Wc1is substantially equal to Wc2, the length of the channels in theabsorbent core 28 may exceed the length of the channels in the LMS 150such that the channels 126, 126′ extend closer to the first waist edge13. However, the channels 149, 149′ may extend closer to the waist edgeopposite the first waist edge 13.

When the channels within the LMS 150 are formed by material-free zones,the width of the channels (Wc2) is considered to be the width of thematerial-free zone, disregarding the possible presence of the topsheet24, or other layers, within the channels. If the channels are formed byzones of reduced basis weight, the width of the channels may be thewidth of the zones of reduced basis weight.

At least some or all of the channels in the LMS 150 may be permanentchannels, meaning their integrity is at least partially maintained bothin the dry state and in the wet state. Permanent channels may beobtained by provision of one or more adhesive materials, for example,the fibrous layer of adhesive material or construction glue that helpsadhere a substrate with an absorbent material within the walls of thechannel. Permanent channels may also be formed by bonding the topsheet24 to the backsheet 26 together through a channel of the LMS 150.Typically, an adhesive may be used to bond the topsheet 24 and thebacksheet 26 through the channels, but it is possible to bond via otherknown processes, such as pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, heatbonding, or combination thereof. The topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26may be continuously bonded or intermittently bonded along or withinportions of or all of the channels. The channels may remain or becomevisible at least through the topsheet and/or backsheet when theabsorbent article is fully loaded with a fluid. Channels of the LMS 150may align with channels of the absorbent core 28, such that the channelsare visible through a garment-facing surface when they contain urine orfeces or when a bodily exudate is at least proximate to the channels(such as when a bodily exudate is on the topsheet 24 but not yet withina channel). Such channels may provide a visual indication to a caregiverthat the absorbent article should be changed. A graphical indicator ormerely a graphic may be printed on an outer surface or other layer ofthe absorbent article proximate to, over, or partially over the channelsto visually obscure the bodily exudates contained within the channels.

An indicator may be included on one or more of the backsheet, abacksheet film, and/or a nonwoven dusting layer, for example, tovisually indicate when a change of the absorbent article is required.The indicator may be configured to switch states in the presence ofurine and/or feces. The indicator may be, for example, a line or graphicthat changes from white or clear to blue. The indicator may also be aword, such a “dry”, that disappears once urine is present in thechannels. The indicator may be the word “wet” that appears in thepresence of urine. Any other suitable indicator or a plurality ofindicators may also be utilized.

Referring to FIGS. 12-14, the LMS 150 may comprise at least two channels(e.g., 149, 149′). These channels may be free of, or substantially freeof (e.g., less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 3%, less than 2%, orless than 1%), non-woven material or cross-linked cellulose fibers andmay be at least partially oriented in the longitudinal direction and/ormay be at least partially oriented in the lateral direction. Thelongitudinal lengths of the channels 149 and 149′ about the longitudinalaxis 100 may be the same, substantially the same (e.g., within 2 mm orless of each other), or different and the longitudinal lengths of thechannels 149 and 149′ about the longitudinal axis 100 may be the same,substantially the same, or different. The average lateral width over thelongitudinal lengths of the channels 149 and 149′ may be the same,substantially the same, or may be different.

The example LMS 150 of the absorbent article of FIG. 12 is shown inisolation in FIGS. 18-19 where FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of theLMS 150 taken about line 10-10 of FIG. 18. The LMS 150 may comprises afront side 281, a rear side 283, and two longitudinal sides 285, 287joining the front side 281 and the rear side 283. The LMS 150 may alsocomprise a generally planar top side and a generally planar bottom side.The front side 281 of the LMS is the side of the LMS intended to beplaced towards the first waist edge 13 of the absorbent article. The LMS150 may have a longitudinal axis 100″ corresponding substantially to thelongitudinal axis 100 of the absorbent article, as seen from the top ina planar view as in FIGS. 1 and 18. The LMS 150 may comprise one or morelayers. As illustrated, the LMS 150 may comprise a distribution layer154 and an acquisition layer 152 which cooperate to define the channels149, 149′. Alternately, less than all of the layers of the LMS 150 maydefine the channel such that at least one layer of the LMS 150 iscontinuous while another layer of the LMS 150 is discontinuous.

The LMS 150 may comprise a wrap or bag that is similar to the core wrapdescribed above that is configured to hold particulates. In one example,the wrap may contain Functional Absorbent Materials (“FAM's”) thatgenerally function as a wicking/acquisition material. The FAM maycomprise an open-celled foam, in the form of a coherent web or sheet orin particulate form, prepared from High Internal Phase Emulsions(hereinafter referred to as “HIPEs”), as illustrated in (U.S. Pat. No.5,331,015 (DesMarais et al.) issued Jul. 19, 1994, U.S. Pat. No.5,260,345 (DesMarais et al.) issued Nov. 9, 1993, U.S. Pat. No.5,268,224 (DesMarais et al.) issued Dec. 7, 1993, U.S. Pat. No.5,632,737 (Stone et al.) issued May 27, 1997, U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,207(Dyer et al.) issued Feb. 7, 1995, U.S. Pat. No. 5,786,395 (Stone etal.) Jul. 28, 1998, U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,921 (Dyer et al.) issued Aug.18, 1998), (U.S. Pat. No. 5,770,634 (Dyer et al.) issued Jun. 23, 1998,U.S. Pat. No. 5,753,359 (Dyer et al.) issued May 19, 1998, and U.S. Pat.No. 5,633,291 (Dyer et al.) issued May 27, 1997), (Bhumgara, Z.Filtration & Separation 1995, March, 245-251; Walsh et al. J. AerosolSci. 1996, 27, 5629-5630; published PCT application W/O 97/37745,published on Oct. 16, 1997, in the name of Shell Oil Co.).

While portions of the channels 126, 126′ of the absorbent core 28 andthe channels 149, 149′ of the LMS 150 shown in FIGS. 12-14 are generallyaligned, this disclosure is not so limited. In fact, as is to beappreciated, particular arrangements of the channels in an LMS 150and/or an absorbent core 28 may vary. FIGS. 20-35 are simplified partialcross-sectional views of example absorbent articles that illustrateexample configurations of the topsheet 24, the backsheet 26, the LMS 150and the absorbent core 28. While FIGS. 20-35 illustrate a wide varietyof channel arrangements, such arrangements are merely examplearrangements and are not to be limiting, as a number of other channelarrangements are within the scope of the present disclosure. Further,various aspects of some of the figures may be incorporated into thearrangements of other figures without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure.

Referring first to FIG. 20, an example channel arrangement isillustrated in which the LMS 150 defines a channel 149 and the absorbentcore 28 does not define any channels. It is noted that while the LMS 150is illustrated as a single-layer system in FIG. 20, among other figures,other articles may comprise a multi-layer LMS without departing from thescope of this disclosure.

FIG. 21 illustrates another example channel arrangement in which thechannel 149 of the LMS 150 is generally aligned with the channel 126 ofthe absorbent core 28. While the channel 149 and the channel 126 areillustrated as having similar widths, the widths of the two channels maydiffer. For example, the width of the channel 149 may be wider ornarrower than the width of the channel 126 along the entire alignedportion in the longitudinal direction. The width of at least one of thechannel 149 and the channel 126 may vary along the longitudinaldirection, such that at some points along the overlapping portion, thechannel 149 and the channel 126 have similar widths (as shown in FIG.28), while at other points along the overlapping portion, the channelshave different widths. For example, the channel 149 may have the samewidth along its entire longitudinal length while the channel 126 mayhave portions that are tapered or flared, or vice versa. The channel149, or at least portions of the channel 149, of the LMS 150 may notoverlap the channel 126 of the absorbent core 28. In such cases, thechannel width of the channel 149 may be the same or different as thechannel width of the channel 126. Additionally, the relativesimilarities or differences of the channel widths may vary alongrespective longitudinal lengths of the channels 149, 126.

FIG. 22 illustrates an article in which a portion of the topsheet 24 isrecessed into the channel 149 defined by the LMS 150 and the channel 126defined by the absorbent core 28. The topsheet 24 may be intermittentlyor continually bonded to the backsheet 26 along the channel to form arecess or groove that is visible from the wearer-facing side of theabsorbent article. An adhesive may be used to bond the topsheet 24 andthe backsheet 26 through the channels, although other known processesmay be used to form the bond, such as pressure bonding, ultrasonicbonding, heat bonding, or combinations thereof.

FIG. 23 illustrates an article in which the topsheet 24 comprises acontoured element 24′ that generally aligns with the channel 149 definedby the LMS 150. The contoured element 24′ may be any suitablethree-dimensional structure, such as a groove, ridge, or other elementformed into the topsheet 24. The contoured element 24′ of the topsheet24 may have a different thickness or basis weight than other regions ofthe topsheet 24. Other layers of the absorbent article, such as the LMS150 and/or the absorbent core 28 additionally or alternatively maycomprise a three-dimensional structure generally aligned with a channelin the absorbent article. By way of comparison to FIG. 22, for example,the contoured element 24′ of FIG. 23 does not necessarily have to bebonded to backsheet 26 to maintain its relative placement within thechannel 149. The contoured element 24′ may be deeper than theillustrated example such that it is recessed into both the channel 149and the channel 126. Both the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26 mayinclude countered elements that are recessed into channel 126 andchannel 149 of the LMS 150 and the absorbent core 28, respectively.

FIG. 24 illustrates an article in which both the topsheet 24 and thebacksheet 26 are recessed into channels defined by the LMS 150 and theabsorbent core 28, respectively. Similar to the article illustrated inFIG. 22, the topsheet 24 may be intermittently or continually bonded tothe backsheet 26 along the channel. Any suitable technique orcombination of techniques may be used to bond the topsheet 24 and thebacksheet 26. Furthermore, while the topsheet 24 and backsheet 26 may bebonded proximate to the interface between the LMS 150 and the absorbentcore 28, this disclosure is not so limited. In other words, the topsheet24 may be recessed further into the channels than the backsheet 26 orthe backsheet 26 may be recessed further into the channels than thetopsheet 24.

FIG. 25 illustrates an article in which the channel 149 and the channel126 are only partially aligned. Only a portion of the channel 149 mayoverlap with a portion of the channel 126. Such partially overlappingarrangement may continue along the longitudinal direction.Alternatively, the channels 149 and the channel 126 may becomevertically aligned along the longitudinal direction or the channels maylaterally deviate in direction such that there is no overlappingportion. An example configuration in which there is no overlappingportion between the channel 149 and the channel 126 is illustrated inFIG. 26. FIG. 27 illustrates yet another article in which each of theLMS 150 and the absorbent core 28 defines two channels, 149, 149′, 126,127. As illustrated, channel 149 and channel 126 do not overlap with anyother channels, while channel 149′ of the LMS 150 overlaps, and in thiscase is completely aligned, with channel 127.

FIG. 28 illustrates an article with a multi-layer LMS 150 having a firstlayer 150′ and a second layer 150″. The first layer 150′ may comprise anonwoven material and the second layer 150″ comprises cross-linkedcellulose fibers. In the illustrated arrangement, the absorbent core 28defines a channel 126 and various layers of the LMS 150 collectivelydefine a channel 149. The first layer 150′ is recessed into both thechannel 149 and the channel 126 and bonded to the backsheet 26 therebyforming a void between the first layer 150′ and the topsheet 24. FIG. 29illustrates another article with an LMS 150 having a first layer 150′and a second layer 150″. In the illustrated arrangement, the absorbentcore 28 defines a channel 126 and an absence of both the first layer150′ and the second layer 150″ LMS 150 defines a channel 149. One ormore layers of the LMS 150 may not be recessed into the channel 149, orone or more layers of the LMS 150 may be recessed into the channel 149,but not into the channel 126.

FIG. 30 illustrates an article of a multi-layer LMS 150 in which thefirst layer 150′ is cut and folded along the channel 149 to form a flap163 that extends along the longitudinal direction of the channel 149.The flap 163 may be sandwiched between the first layer 150′ and thetopsheet 24 during the manufacturing of the absorbent article.Alternatively, the flap 163 may be folded downward toward the backsheet26 such that it is received by the channel 149 and positioned along itswall. Flaps may be present on either lateral side of the channel 149which may be formed by slicing the first layer 150′ along thelongitudinal centerline of the channel 149 and then folding the flap toexpose the channel.

It may be desirable to provide a visual indication of the channels. Suchvisual indication may be provided using any suitable technique. FIG. 31illustrates an article comprising a visually distinct layer 167. Thevisually distinct layer 167 may be a layer on the garment-facing side ofthe LMS 150 that includes a pattern, image, color and/or tint that isdifferent than that of other layers in the LMS 150. The visuallydistinct layer 167 is visible through at least one of the topsheet 24and the backsheet 26 to provide an increased visual distinctiveness ofthe channel 149. The increased visual distinctiveness may serve as aninternal serviceable indicia to facilitate more accurate alignment ofthe absorbent article on the wearer during the application process. FIG.32 illustrates another article having the visually distinct layer 167.In the illustrated article, the visually distinct layer 167 ispositioned between the absorbent core 28 and the backsheet 26. Thevisually distinct layer 167 may also be provided at other locationswithin the absorbent article.

In addition to the LMS 150 and the absorbent core 28, it may bedesirable to include additional layers in the absorbent article, such asa liquid distribution layer. FIGS. 33-35 illustrate articles comprisinga liquid distribution layer 171 that comprises a liquid distributionmaterial. The liquid distribution material may a fibrous or foamedmaterial, for example. The liquid distribution layer 171 may bediscontinuous, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 35, or may be continuous, asshown in FIG. 34. Thus, the liquid distribution layer 171 may help todefine a channel within the absorbent article or may span a channeldefined by the LMS 150 and/or the absorbent core 28. Furthermore, theliquid distribution layer 171 may be positioned at any suitable layer ofthe absorbent article to achieve the desired liquid distribution. Asshown in FIGS. 33 and 34, for example, the liquid distribution layer 171is positioned between the absorbent core 28 and the backsheet 26. Bycomparison, in FIG. 35, the liquid distribution layer 171 is positionedbetween the LMS 150 and the absorbent core 28. A liquid distributionlayer may be positioned between the topsheet 24 and the LMS 150. Somearticles may have a plurality of liquid distribution layers.

Leg Gasketing System:

The absorbent article 20 may include a leg gasketing system 70 that isattached to the chassis 22. FIGS. 2 and 3 depict schematic crosssectional views of the exemplary leg gasketing system of FIG. 1 in aflat, uncontracted state, the views taken through the lateral centerline110 (FIG. 2 is a schematic cross section of the left leg gasketingsystem, and FIG. 3 is a schematic cross section of both leg gasketingsystems in relation to the topsheet). FIGS. 4-9 also depict schematiccross sectional views of the exemplary leg gasketing system 70 ofFIG. 1. FIGS. 4-6 are cross sections of a version of the disposableabsorbent article of FIG. 1 without an opacity strengthening patch 80,and FIGS. 7-9 are cross sections of a version of the disposableabsorbent article of FIG. 1 with an opacity strengthening patch 80. Inthe article of FIGS. 7-9, the opacity strengthening patches 80 arelocated in the four corners of the diaper chassis 22, overlappingportions of both the polymeric film inner layer of the backsheet 26 andthe ears 40, 42. FIGS. 4 and 7 are schematic cross sectional viewsthrough line A-A of FIG. 1. FIGS. 5 and 8 are schematic cross sectionalviews through line B-B of FIG. 1. FIGS. 6 and 9 are schematic crosssectional views through line C-C of FIG. 1. In the various articles, theleg gasketing system 70 may include an inner cuff 71 that has an innercuff folded edge 72 and an inner cuff material edge 73. The leggasketing system 70 may further include an outer cuff 74 that has anouter cuff folded edge 75 and an outer cuff material edge 76.

Each leg gasketing system 70 may comprise a single, continuous web ofmaterial. An leg gasketing system having a single web of material mayprovide a cost advantage over leg gasketing systems having more than oneweb of material. Further, a leg gasketing system formed from one web ofmaterial may have fewer leaks, as there are no holes created by bondingmore than one web of material. Also, a leg gasketing system having oneweb of material may be more aesthetically pleasing, as few mechanicalbonds are visible. The leg gasketing system 70 may be formed from morethan one web of material (e.g., multiple webs of material that arejoined together to become one web of material, or multiple distinct websof material that are separate from the disposable absorbent articlechassis and form part of the leg gasketing system). Herein, locations(e.g., folded edge, material edge, etc.) on the leg gasketing system 70are detailed in reference to “a web of material” or “a portion of theweb of material.” The recitations of “a web of material” or “the web ofmaterial” refer to leg gasketing systems that may be formed from asingle, continuous web of material, multiple webs of material that arejoined together to become one web of material, or multiple distinct websof material that are separate from the disposable absorbent articlechassis and form part of the leg gasketing system. All such leggasketing systems are contemplated.

The leg gasketing system 70 may include an inner cuff 71 that has aninner cuff folded edge 72 and an inner cuff material edge 73. The leggasketing system 70 may further include an outer cuff 74 that has anouter cuff folded edge 75 and an outer cuff material edge 76. The web ofmaterial may be folded laterally inward (toward the longitudinalcenterline 100 of the absorbent article 20) to form the outer cufffolded edge 75 and folded laterally outward (away from the longitudinalcenterline 100 of the absorbent article 20) to form the inner cufffolded edge 72.

At least a portion of the web of material between the outer cuff foldededge 75 and the outer cuff material edge 76 may be attached to thechassis 22 (e.g., the topsheet 24, the backsheet 26, and/or the opacitystrengthening patch 80) in the first waist region 36, the second waistregion 38 and the crotch region 37. The attachment to the chassis 22 ismade through utilization of one or more cuff attachment bonds 43, 44.One or more of the cuff attachment bonds 43, 44 may be continuous, orsubstantially continuous (e.g., in a continuously intermittent pattern)from the first waist edge 13 to the second waist edge 14. As seen in theexemplary article of FIGS. 3-6, a first cuff attachment bond 43 attachesat least a portion of the web of material between the outer cuff foldededge 75 and the outer cuff material edge 76 to the topsheet 24. And asecond cuff attachment bond 44 attaches at least a portion of the web ofmaterial between the outer cuff folded edge 75 and the outer cuffmaterial edge 76 to the inner layer of backsheet 26 (e.g., backsheetfilm). In FIGS. 3-6, a single first cuff attachment bond 43 and a singlesecond cuff attachment bond 44 are shown, but articles having multiplefirst cuff attachment bonds 43 and/or multiple second cuff attachmentbonds 44 are contemplated. As seen in FIGS. 7-9, a first cuff attachmentbond 43 attaches at least a portion of the web of material between theouter cuff folded edge 75 and the outer cuff material edge 76 to thetopsheet 24. And at least one second cuff attachment bond 44 attaches atleast a portion of the web of material between the outer cuff foldededge 75 and the outer cuff material edge 76 to the opacity strengtheningpatch 80 in at least a portion of the first waist region 36 and at leasta portion of the second waist region 38. The opacity strengthening patchis attached to the inner layer of backsheet 26 (e.g., backsheet film) byat least one OSP bond(s) 46. In the crotch region 37 and in a portion ofthe first waist region 36 and in a portion of the second waist region38, at least a portion of the web of material between the outer cufffolded edge 75 and the outer cuff material edge 76 is attached to thebacksheet 26 (inner or outer backsheet layer) through cuff attachmentbond 44. In other words, from first waist edge 13 to second waist edge14, at least a portion of the web of material between the outer cufffolded edge 75 and the outer cuff material edge 76 is attached to eitherthe backsheet 26 or to the opacity strengthening patch 80 throughcontinuous or substantially continuous second cuff attachment bond(s)44. In FIGS. 7-9, a single first cuff attachment bond 43 is shown, butarticles having multiple first cuff attachment bonds 43 arecontemplated. The cuff attachment bonds 43, 44 and the OSP bonds 46 maytake the form of glue, heat bond, pressure bond, CPW bonds, or any otherbonding method known in the art. In FIGS. 3-9, the cuff attachment bonds43, 44 and the OSP bonds 46 take the form of a glue bond.

Further, at least a portion of the web material between the inner cufffolded edge 72 and the outer cuff folded edge 75 is attached to at leasta portion of the web of material between the outer cuff folded edge 75and the outer cuff material edge 76 in at least the crotch region 37 andthe first waist region 36. The attachment of the web of material betweenthe inner cuff folded edge 72 and the outer cuff folded edge 75 to theweb of material between the outer cuff folded edge 75 and the outer cuffmaterial edge 76 in at least the crotch region 37 and the first waistregion 36 is made through utilization of one or more cuff separationbonds 45. As seen in FIGS. 1-9, the cuff separation bond attaches atleast a portion of the web material between the inner cuff folded edge72 and the outer cuff folded edge 75 to the web of material between theouter cuff folded edge 75 and the outer cuff material edge 76 in thecrotch region 37, the first waist region 36, and a portion of the secondwaist region 38. The cuff separation bond 45 may take the form of glue,heat bond, pressure bond, CPW bonds, or any other bonding method knownin the art. In FIGS. 3-9, the cuff separation bond 45 takes the form ofa glue bond.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4-9, the web of material between the innercuff folded edge 72 and the outer cuff folded edge 75 is unattached tothe web of material between the outer cuff folded edge 75 and the outercuff material edge 76 in at least a portion of the second waist region38. Due to the web of material between the inner cuff folded edge 72 andthe outer cuff folded edge 75 being unattached to the web of materialbetween the outer cuff folded edge 75 and the outer cuff material edge76 in at least a portion of the second waist region 38, a leg gasketingsystem pocket 47 is formed in at least a portion of the second waistregion of the leg gasketing system 70. The leg gasketing system pocket47 includes an inboard longitudinal edge 48 and an outboard longitudinaledge 49, which define lateral dimensions of the leg gasketing systempocket. The inboard longitudinal edge 48 of the leg gasketing systempocket 47 may be coterminous with a line that the cuff separation bond45 runs along in the longitudinal direction. The outboard longitudinaledge 49 may be coterminous with the outer cuff folded edge 75.Alternately, the outboard longitudinal edge 49 may be coterminous withthe most outboard bond of the outer cuff 74.

The leg gasketing system pocket 47 may include an opening 51 which runsa distance along the inboard longitudinal edge 48 of the leg gasketingsystem pocket 47. The opening 51 is created by a break in the cuffseparation bond 45. Referring to FIG. 1, the cuff separation bond 45runs in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article, and iscontinuous, or substantially continuous (e.g., in a continuouslyintermittent pattern) in the first waist region 36 and the crotch region37. The continuous cuff separation bond 45 continues into the secondwaist region 38, but then stops for a defined distance and then startsagain along the same longitudinal line. The distance in which the cuffseparation bond 45 stops along that longitudinal line is the distance inwhich the web material between the inner cuff folded edge 72 and theouter cuff folded edge 75 is unattached to the web of material betweenthe outer cuff folded edge 75 and the outer cuff material edge 76.Accordingly, this distance is the length of the opening 51 which runsalong the inboard longitudinal edge 48 of the leg gasketing systempocket 47. The opening 51 has an inboard lateral edge 52 and an outboardlateral edge 53 where the cuff separation bond 45 starts and stops alongthe longitudinal line that the cuff separation bond 45 runs along. Asillustrated in FIG. 1, the length of the opening 51 can be determined bymeasuring the distance between inboard lateral edge 52 and outboardlateral edge 53, taken along the longitudinal line that the cuffseparation bond 45 runs along.

The leg gasketing system pocket 47 may include an opening 51 which againruns a distance along the inboard longitudinal edge 48 of the leggasketing system pocket 47. The opening 51 is created by a series ofbreaks in the cuff separation bond 45. Referring to FIG. 1, the cuffseparation bond 45 runs in the longitudinal direction of the absorbentarticle, and is continuous in the first waist region 36 and the crotchregion 37. The continuous cuff separation bond 45 continues into thesecond waist region 38, but then becomes an intermittent bond pattern(e.g., stop-start-stop-start) for a defined distance and then becomescontinuous again along the same longitudinal line. The distance in whichthe cuff separation bond 45 becomes an intermittent bond pattern alongthat longitudinal line is the distance in which the web material betweenthe inner cuff folded edge 72 and the outer cuff folded edge 75 isintermittently attached to the web of material between the outer cufffolded edge 75 and the outer cuff material edge 76. This intermittentpattern for a distance of the cuff separation bond 45 creates series ofsmall pockets, together referred to herein as a leg gasketing systempocket.

The pocket and opening can occur in the first waist region, the secondwaist region, or in the crotch region as needed for the specific type ofexudates and the particular situation where leakage prevention isdesired. For instance, a wearer who sleeps on their belly (front) maybenefit from the pocket and opening being located in the front waistregion, as to stop urine leakage out of the front waist during sleep.Likewise, it may be important to create the opening on the crotch regionfor users wearing the article in the standing position as to containexudates that are likely to locate centrally in the article due to theforce of gravity when in a standing position.

The opening 51 may measure between about 5 mm and about 100 mm in thelongitudinal direction, or any range or distance within the range ofabout 5 mm to about 100 mm; in some articles the opening measures about75 mm or about 50 mm; and in other articles the opening measures betweenabout 1 mm and about 20 mm. The length of opening 51 may be betweenabout 1% and about 75% of the overall longitudinal length of the leggasketing system pocket 47 (or any range or percentage within the rangeof about 1% to about 75%). The overall longitudinal length of the leggasketing system pocket 47 is the distance from the furthestlongitudinally inboard portion of the pocket to the furthestlongitudinally outboard portion of the pocket. As shown in FIG. 1, theoverall longitudinal length of the leg gasketing system pocket 47 is thedistance from the inboard lateral edge 52 of the opening 51 to thesecond waist edge 14 of the absorbent article 20, taken along thelongitudinal line that the cuff separation bond 45 runs along. In otherwords, for the article shown in FIG. 1, the longitudinal dimensions ofthe leg gasketing system pocket 47 are defined by the inboard lateraledge 52 of the opening 51 and the second waist edge 14. The overalllongitudinal length of the leg gasketing system pocket 47 may measurebetween about 5 mm and about 200 mm in the longitudinal direction, orany range or distance within the range of about 5 mm to about 200 mm; insome articles, about 100 mm, about 75 mm or about 50 mm; and alternatelythe overall longitudinal length measures between about 1 mm and about 20mm.

The overall lateral width of the leg gasketing system pocket 47 is thedistance from the furthest laterally inboard portion of the pocket tothe furthest laterally outboard portion of the pocket. For the articleshown in FIG. 1, the overall lateral width of the leg gasketing systempocket 47 is the distance from the inboard longitudinal edge 48 of theleg gasketing system pocket to the outboard longitudinal edge 49 of theleg gasketing system pocket, taken along a line that is parallel to thesecond waist edge 14 and centered in the middle of the opening 51 of theleg gasketing system pocket. In other words, for the exemplary articleshown in FIG. 1, the lateral dimension of the leg gasketing systempocket 47 (i.e., the width) is defined by inboard and outboardlongitudinal edges 48, 49 of the leg gasketing system pocket 47. Theoverall lateral width of the leg gasketing system pocket 47 may measurebetween about 5 mm and about 60 mm in the lateral direction, or anyrange or distance within the range of about 5 mm to about 60 mm; in somearticles, about 30 mm, about 25 mm, or about 20 mm; and in otherarticles, the overall lateral width measures between about 1 mm andabout 20 mm. The overall lateral width of the leg gasketing systempocket 47 may be between about 1% and about 75% of the overalllongitudinal length of the leg gasketing system pocket 47 (or any rangeor percentage within the range of about 1% to about 75%). The length ofopening 51 may be between about 20% and about 100% of the overalllateral width of the leg gasketing system pocket 47 (or any range orpercentage within the range of about 20% to about 100%).

When a wearer of an absorbent article has a runny bowel movement, manytimes the runny bowel movement spreads upon defecation and leaks out ofthe absorbent article in an area between the leg cuffs and wearer'slegs, or in an area between the waist region and the wearer's back.Leaks of this type often happen because the snug fit between user's bodyand the attached absorbent article do not allow enough room for therunny bowel movement to remain contained within the absorbent articleduring the wearer's movement. One advantage of the leg gasketing systempocket 47 as detailed herein, in combination with the leg gasketingsystem(s) as detailed herein, are the additional pocketed areas thatprovide extra void volumes within the leg cuffs for containment ofbodily extrudate (e.g., fecal material). When the wearer moves, aportion of the bodily extrudate will migrate into the leg gasketingsystem pocket 47 for containment and be held/trapped between two layersof nonwoven within the leg gasketing system before it can leak out in anarea between the wearer's back and the back waist region of theabsorbent article or an area between the leg cuffs and wearer's legs ofthe absorbent article. Thus, the leg gasketing system pocket 47 detailedherein reduces leaks. Moreover, leg gasketing system pocket 47 providesadditional void volume within the leg cuffs to receive the fecalmaterial which helps in isolating the fecal material from wearer's skinand restricts flow towards the front by the separation sheet.

The leg gasketing system pocket 47 may be free of elastic members 77.The leg gasketing system pocket 47 may contain one or more snap backelastic members. The leg gasketing system pocket 47 may have a secondopening 55 along the second waist edge 14 of the absorbent article. Theleg gasketing system pocket 47 may be sealed along the second waist edge14.

At least a portion of the web of material between the outer cuff foldededge 75 and the outer cuff material edge 76 may be attached to thechassis 22 (e.g., topsheet 24, backsheet 26, and/or opacitystrengthening patch 80) in the first waist region 36, the second waistregion 38 and the crotch region 37; and at least a portion of the web ofmaterial between the inner cuff folded edge 72 and the outer cuff foldededge 75 may be attached to the web of material between the outer cufffolded edge 75 and the outer cuff material edge 76 in the crotch region37 and the first waist region 36; wherein the outer cuff includes anelastics adhesive 79 and at least one longitudinally oriented elasticmember running parallel to the outer cuff folded edge 75, the elasticsadhesive 79 and at least one elastic member disposed between 1) the webof material between the outer cuff folded edge 75 and the outer cuffmaterial edge 76 and 2) the web of material between the outer cufffolded edge 75 and the inner cuff folded edge 72; wherein in at least aportion of the second waist region, the outer cuff is free of elasticsadhesive 79 and elastic members 77, thus forming a leg gasketing systempocket 47 between 1) the web of material between the outer cuff foldededge 75 and the outer cuff material edge 76 and 2) the web of materialbetween the outer cuff folded edge 75 and the inner cuff folded edge 72,the leg gasketing system pocket 47 having an outboard longitudinal edge49 at the outer cuff folded edge 75; wherein the leg gasketing systempocket 47 comprises an opening 51 on an inboard longitudinal edge 48 ofthe leg gasketing system pocket.

The pocket 47 may include a thermal or compression bond that defines atleast a portion of the perimeter of the pocket (e.g., the entireperimeter of the pocket), such that the at least a portion of the pocket47 (e.g., the entire pocket), can be made visible to a wearer orcaregiver as to signal the functionality of the pocket 47 prior to use.

The pocket 47 may extend to the lateral edge of the chassis and createchannels for facilitating the flow of runny bowel movement. This openchannel area can be sealed by any suitable bonding technique such asglue, mechanical bonds, thermal bonds, or the like.

The hydrophobic properties, such as Low Surface Tension Strikethrough orHydro Head, can be increased in a least a portion of the pocket 47, insuch a way that prevents exudates from leaking through the materialsthat comprise the pocket. Accordingly, this will maintain separation ofthe contained fecal material from the wearer. Increasing hydrophobicproperties can be accomplished by applying hydrophobic coatings, inks,glues, silicones, additional materials, or any combination thereof, orby any other means known in the art.

The outer cuff 74 and inner cuff 71 may be the same color. The outercuff 74 and inner cuff 71 may be different colors. There may be anadditional printing on one or more of the cuffs of the leg gasketingsystem 70. In articles with printing on both the inner and outer cuffs,the printing may be the same or different on each cuff.

The leg gasketing system 70 may include a printed zone that outlines ordefines at least a portion of the pocket 47 such that the benefit can besignaled prior to use.

The outer cuff 74 may comprise elastic members 77 positioned in alateral array between the outer cuff folded edge 75 and outer cuffmaterial edge 76. As illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, the elastics 77, 78 areattached to the portion of the web of material that forms the outer cuffby elastics adhesive 79. The elastics may be positioned between 1) theportion of the web of material between the outer cuff folded edge 75 andthe outer cuff material edge 76, and 2) the portion of the web materialbetween the outer cuff folded edge 75 and the inner cuff folded edge 72.The outer cuff 74 may comprise at least two elastic members 77, at leastthree elastic members 77, at least four elastic members 77, at leastfive elastic members 77, or at least six elastic members 77. The elasticmembers 77 may be disposed between the outer cuff folded edge 75 and theinner cuff material edge 73.

The inner cuff 71 may comprise an array of elastic members 78 positionedin a lateral array between the inner cuff folded edge 72 and the innercuff material edge 73. The elastics attached to the portion of the webof material that forms the inner cuff by elastics adhesive 79. Theelastics may be positioned between 1) the portion of the web of materialbetween the inner cuff folded edge 72 and the inner cuff material edge73, and 2) the portion of the web material between the inner cuff foldededge 72 and the outer cuff folded edge 75. The inner cuff 71 maycomprise at least one elastic member 78, at least two elastic members78, at least three elastic members 78, at least four elastic members 78,or at least five elastic members 78. The elastic members 78 may bedisposed between the inner cuff folded edge 72 and the outer cuffmaterial edge 76.

The outer cuff 74 may comprise at least one more elastic member 77 thanthe inner cuff 71 elastic member(s) 78. The inner cuff material edge 73may be laterally outboard the outer cuff material edge 76.

The elastic members 77 and 78 may be spaced at least 2 mm apart from oneedge of the member to the other edge of the member, optionally at least3 mm apart; optionally at least 3.5 mm apart; optionally at least 4 mmapart; optionally at least 4.5 mm apart; optionally at least 5 mm apart;optionally at least 5.5 mm apart; optionally at least 6 mm apart;optionally at least 6.5 mm apart; optionally at least 7 mm apart;optionally at least 7.5 mm apart; optionally at least 8 mm apart;optionally at least 8.5 mm apart; optionally at least 9 mm apart;optionally at least 9.5 mm apart; optionally at least 10 mm apart;optionally at least 10.5 mm apart; optionally at least 11 mm apart;optionally at least 11.5 mm apart; optionally at least 12 mm apart. Theoutermost elastic members 77 and 78 may be less than about 2 mm from theouter cuff material edge 76 and inner cuff material edge 73; optionallyless than about 1.5 mm, less than about 1 mm.

The outer cuff 74 may have four elastic members 77 that are about 4 mmapart. The outer cuff 74 may have four elastic members that are about 2mm/7 mm/2 mm apart. The outer cuff 74 may have three elastic members 77that are about 6 mm apart. The outer cuff 74 may have two elasticmembers that are about 12 mm apart. The outer cuff 74 may have twoelastic members that are about 3 mm/6 mm/3 mm apart, as spaced from theouter cuff folded edge 75. The elastic members may be about 2 mm fromthe outer cuff folded edge 75, optionally about 0 mm from the outer cufffolded edge 75.

The leg gasketing system 70 may have an inner cuff 71 comprised of aninner cuff folded edge 72 and an inner cuff material edge 73. The leggasketing system 70 may further comprise an outer cuff 74 comprising anouter cuff folded edge 75 and an outer cuff material edge 76. The leggasketing system may comprise a first material comprising the inner cuff71 and a second material comprising the outer cuff 74. The first andsecond material may overlap and be joined together along a longitudinaledge of each material by any suitable bonding means (i.e., a singleweb), or be separate webs of material. The web of material may be foldedlaterally inward to form the outer cuff folded edge 75 and foldedlaterally outward to form the inner cuff folded edge 72. The proximaledges of the outer cuff 74 may be coterminous. The proximal edges of theouter cuff 74 may be spaced greater than about 2 mm apart; greater thanabout 4 mm; greater than about 6 mm; greater than about 10 mm apart. Theproximal material edges of the cuff may be both bonded to the innercuff. Only one of the proximal material edges of the outer cuff 74 maybe bonded to the inner cuff. The proximal material edges of the outercuff are held together with any suitable bonding means.

The leg gasketing system 70 may be spaced laterally inward of thechassis longitudinal edge 12 by about 10 mm, optionally about 20 mm,optionally about 30 mm, optionally about 60 mm or more. The laterallyoutboard edge of the chassis may be defined by the lateral edge of theouter cuff. The backsheet and/or polymeric film may be spaced laterallyinward of the outer cuff edge by about 10 mm; optionally about 20 mm;optionally about 30 mm; optionally about 40 mm.

The laterally outboard edge of the leg gasketing system 70 may bedisposed laterally inboard of at least a portion of the longitudinaledge of the article in at least one of the waist regions. Thus, thefront ears 40 and/or back ears 42 may extend past the leg gasketingsystem 70.

The height of the inner cuff 71 may be at least about 10 mm, at leastabout 20 mm, a least about 30 mm, at least about 32 mm, at least about35 mm, at least about 38 mm. The height of the outer cuff 74 may be atleast about 15 mm, at least about 23 mm, at least about 25 mm, at leastabout 27 mm, at least about 30 mm. The height of the inner cuff ismeasured from inner cuff folded edge 72 to the first point of connectionto a material beyond the inner cuff material edge 73 in the crotchregion. The outer cuff height is measured from the outer cuff foldededge 75 to the first point of connection the inner cuff 72 has to amaterial beyond the inner cuff material edge 73 in the crotch region.Thus, the inner and outer cuffs are measured from their respectivefolded edges to the point where the inner cuff is connected to the firstmaterial beyond the inner cuff material edge.

One advantage of the leg gasketing system 70 detailed herein is thatwhen a substantially liquid-impervious material is used in constructionof the cuff, the polymeric film layer may be narrowed or not present atall, resulting in more cost effective designs. Utilizing adhesivetechnologies that are more reliably processed results in more reliableperformance and creates substantially liquid impervious seals. Thistechnology enables narrowing the film layer to be only slightly widerthan the absorbent core by reducing the need for redundant seals.

The backsheet polymeric film may be less than about 50 mm wider than theabsorbent core; optionally less than about 40 mm wider, less than about30 mm wider. The backsheet polymeric film may be at least about 20 mmmore narrow than the chassis width; optionally at least about 40 mm morenarrow than the chassis width; optionally at least about 60 mm morenarrow than the chassis width; optionally at least about 80 mm morenarrow than the chassis width; optionally at least about 100 mm morenarrow than the chassis width; optionally at least about 120 mm morenarrow than the chassis width.

The leg cuff may be joined to the topsheet and/or backsheet by a slotcoated adhesive. At least about 12 gsm of adhesive may be applied;optionally at least about 15 gsm of adhesive is applied; optionally atleast about 20 gsm of adhesive is applied; optionally, at least about 25gsm of adhesive is applied; optionally at least about 40 gsm of adhesiveis applied; optionally at least about 60 gsm of adhesive is applied. Theadhesive may be at least about 1 mm wide; optionally at least about 3 mmwide; optionally at least about 7 mm wide. The adhesive may be at leastabout 2 mm inboard of the outboard lateral edge of the film; optionallyat least 4 mm inboard of the outboard lateral edge of the film;optionally at least about 6 mm inboard of the outboard lateral edge ofthe film. The leg cuff may be joined to the topsheet and/or backsheet bytwo overlapping and redundant spiral adhesive sprays; optionally threeoverlapping and redundant spiral adhesive sprays.

The descriptions of the invention including the pocket 47 and opening 51that allow for trapping exudates can be used in conjunction with anarticle that does not contain an absorbent core. This is useful for aproduct that is designed to be used in the medical industry as it canenable the collection of exudates for analysis easier without theexudates being absorbed into the product.

Additional exemplary leg gasketing systems 70 that may be useful in theabsorbent articles detailed herein are shown in FIGS. 11a-11t of theaccompanying drawings.

Opacity Strengthening Patch:

An opacity strengthening patch 80 may be included as part of the chassis22. The opacity strengthening patch 80 is an additional layer ofmaterial. The opacity strengthening patch 80 may be connected to the leggasketing system 70, the polymeric film layer, or the backsheet 26. Theopacity strengthening patch 80 may be disposed between the backsheet 26and leg gasketing system 70 in either the first waist region 36, thesecond waist region 38, or both the first waist region 36 and the secondwaist region 38 of the article; the opacity strengthening patch 80 mayoverlap at least one of the leg gasketing system 70 and/or the polymericfilm layer (i.e., inner layer of the backsheet 26). The opacitystrengthening patch 80 may be attached to one or both of the leggasketing system 70 or the polymer film layer using any suitable meanssuch as glue, mechanical bonds, thermal bonds, or the like, so thatloads generated during the application process or during wear can betransferred from the lateral edge of the article to the leg gasketingsystem 70 and/or the polymeric film layer. The opacity strengtheningpatch is useful in providing the strength needed to prevent the articlefrom extending excessively during application and wearing; it also mayprovide opacity at the sides and waist to prevent the skin of the userfrom showing through the article. Thus, the patch 80 may be located atany portion of the chassis 22 where strength and opacity is desirable.Materials suitable to act as the opacity strengthening patch includematerials having a basis weight of at least about 10 gsm, at least about15 gsm, at least about 25 gsm. An opacity strengthening patch usefulherein may exhibit the following tensile properties in the crossdirection: at 2% engineering strain for a 1 inch wide sample, 0.4N; at5% engineering strain for a 1 inch wide sample, 1.25N; at 10%engineering strain for a 1 inch wide sample, 2.5N. One opacitystrengthening patch useful herein is available from Pegas, Znojmo, CZ,as supplier number 803968.

The opacity strengthening patch 80 may be discrete and is located in thefront and back waist regions of the article. The opacity strengtheningpatch may be about 70 mm long in the front, optionally about 90 mm longin the front; optionally about 120 mm long in the front. The opacitystrengthening patch may be about 70 mm long in the back, optionallyabout 100 mm long in the back, optionally about 140 mm long in the back.The opacity strengthening patch may be continuous and spans the entirelength of the product.

The opacity strengthening patch may have a hunter color opacity ofgreater than about 15%, optionally greater than about 25%, optionallygreater than about 40%, optionally greater than 60%.

The opacity strengthening patch may be laterally outboard of thepolymeric film layer. The opacity strengthening patch may overlap thepolymeric film layer in the lateral direction such that it can beaffixed to the polymeric film in order to transmit laterally directedapplication and wearing forces from the opacity strengthening patch tothe polymeric film layer. Any suitable bonding means known in the artmay be used to affix the opacity strengthening patch to the polymericfilm layer. The opacity strengthening patch may overlap the polymericfilm layer by about 5 mm, optionally about 10 mm, optionally about 15mm, optionally about 20 mm, optionally less than about 30 mm.

There may be a lateral gap between the opacity strengthening patch andthe polymeric film layer and the opacity strengthening patch is affixedby any suitable bonding means to the leg gasketing system, and the leggasketing system is affixed to the polymeric film layer by any suitablebonding means such that application and wearing loads can transmit fromthe opacity strengthening patch to the gasketing system and then fromthe gasketing system to the polymeric film layer. The gap may preferablybe less than 30 mm, more preferably less than 20 mm, more preferablyless than 10 mm.

There may be a lateral gap between the opacity strengthening patch andthe polymeric film layer; the opacity strengthening patch may be affixedby any suitable bonding means to the leg gasketing system and the bodyfacing and garment facing sides of the leg gasketing system may beaffixed together by any suitable bonding means so that the loads fromthe opacity strengthening patch are shared by both layers of the leggasketing system. The leg gasketing system may be affixed to thepolymeric film layer by any suitable bonding means such that applicationand wearing loads can transmit from the opacity strengthening patch tothe leg gasketing system and then from the leg gasketing system to thepolymeric film layer.

The opacity strengthening patch may overlap the leg gasketing system inthe lateral direction such that it can be affixed securely to theopacity strengthening patch layer by any suitable bonding means as a wayto transmit application and wearing forces from the opacitystrengthening patch to the leg gasketing system. The opacitystrengthening patch may overlap the leg gasketing system by about 5 mm,optionally about 10 mm, optionally less than about 15 mm, optionallyless than about 25 mm.

The leg gasketing system may have about the same lateral tensilestrength properties as the opacity strengthening patch. The combinedproperties of the leg gasketing system and the backsheet nonwoven outercover may have about the same lateral tensile strength as the opacitystrengthening patch. Alternately, the outercover nonwoven may have verylow lateral strength between about 0% and about 10% engineering strain.The outercover nonwoven may exhibit the following tensile properties: at10% engineering strain for a 1 inch wide sample, 0.4N.

Waistband:

Waistbands utilized in the absorbent articles detailed herein may resultin absorbent articles having increased comfort, fit, and improvedleakage performance for the wearer. Certain waistbands may also provideimproved product durability and strength. The waistbands detailed hereinmay also result an easier and improved absorbent article changingexperience.

The absorbent articles detailed herein may have an improved gap closurein the first and/or second waist regions of the absorbent article thanwhat is currently known in the art today. Having gap closure in thewaist regions may create an article with better fit and containment,resulting in improved leakage performance. One way to achieve gapclosure is to provide a waistband that is flush coterminous with therear lateral edge of the absorbent article. Because there is variationin the application process, a waistband may be present in both the firstand second waist regions of the absorbent article. However, while ahighly contracted waistband is desirable for the back waist region toprovide stretch, it may be more desirable to have a less contractedwaistband in the front waist region to aid in application. Therefore,articles detailed herein may be directed to “differential contraction”or waistband laminates having different installed elongation strands inthe front versus the back, such that only one waistband laminate is cut.Cutting of the waistband laminate is subsequent to the waistbandapplication to the article; the waistband is applied such that it spansthe intended article separation (cut) zone. Thus, the same waistbandlaminate can deliver different levels of contraction in the back andfront, resulting in higher contraction in the back to help close the gapand lower contraction in the front.

The first and second waistbands may be comprised of a waistbandlaminate. The waistband laminate may be comprised of a nonwovenmaterial. The waistband laminate may be comprised of a film. Thewaistband laminate may be comprised of at least two elastic strands, atleast four elastic strands, at least six elastic strands, at least eightelastic strands, at least ten elastic strands, at least twelve elasticstrands.

The first and second waistbands may be applied to the article at thesame applied waistband strain. The first waistband and the secondwaistband may be applied to the disposable absorbent article at a strainof greater than about 30%, greater than about 50%, greater than about70% as compared to the relaxed length. The first waistband and thesecond waistband may be applied to the disposable absorbent article at astrain of less than about 150%, less than about 125%, less than about100%, less than about 75% as compared to the relaxed length. The firstwaistband and the second waistband may be applied to the disposableabsorbent article at a strain of from about 70% to about 75% as comparedto the relaxed length.

The waistband laminate may be comprised of a nonwoven material and atleast two elastic strands, wherein each of the at least two elasticstrands are different elastic materials. The elastic strands may havedifferent diameters or cross-sectional geometry.

The waistband laminate may be cut after application to the articlebetween the elastic strands such that a waistband laminate comprised ofat least two elastic strands results in two waistbands each having oneelastic strand; a waistband laminate comprised of at least four elasticstrands results in two waistbands each having two elastic strands. Awaistband laminate may be comprised of at least six elastic strandsresults in two waistbands each having three elastic strands when cut.Further, a waistband laminate comprised of at least eight elasticstrands results in two waistbands each having four elastic strands, awaistband laminate comprised of at least ten elastic strands results intwo waistbands each having five elastic strands, a waistband laminatecomprised of at least twelve elastic strands results in two waistbandseach having six elastic strands. The waistband laminate may be cut suchthat the two resulting waistbands have an unequal distribution ofelastic strands or having no elastic strands on one side of the cut. Forexample, a waistband laminate having ten elastic strands may result inone waistband having six elastics and one waistband having fourelastics. In another example, a waistband laminate having ten elasticstrands may result in one waistband having ten elastics and onewaistband having no elastics. The waistband laminate may be cut in thecenter to create the two waistbands. The waistband laminate may be cutoff-center. The waistband laminate may have elastic strands spacedequally apart. The waistband laminate may have strands spaced closertogether or further apart as compared to the other elastic strands inthe laminate.

The waistband may have a length in the direction parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the article of greater than about 12 mm, greaterthan about 15 mm, greater than about 20 mm. The waistband may have alength in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the articleof less than about 50 mm, less than about 45 mm, less than about 40 mm.

The waistband in a relaxed product may have a length in the directionparallel to the lateral axis of the article of greater than about 50 mm,greater than about 75 mm, greater than about 100 mm. The length in thedirection parallel to the lateral axis of the article of the waistbandin a relaxed product may be less than about 300 mm, less than about 250mm, less than about 200 mm.

The CD Length Ratio of the waistband compared to the distance from onetape to the other tape may be less than about 2, less than about 1.5,about 1.

The waistband may be on the body-facing surface of the article. Thewaistband may be on the garment-facing surface of the article. Thewaistband may be sandwiched in between the layers of the absorbentarticle. The waistband may be on the garment-facing surface in eitherthe first or second waist regions and on the body-facing surface ineither the first or second waist regions. The waistband may be on boththe body-facing surface and the garment-facing surface. The waistbandmay be on either the body-facing surface or the garment-facing surfaceand the surface not comprising the waistband is printed with a printedwaistband feature.

The distance from one tape edge to the other tape edge may be at leastabout 50% the average length of the baby waist circumference for anaverage baby that wears the size of absorbent article; at least about60% the average length; at least about 65% the average length.

The elastic strands of the waistband laminate may have differentinstalled elongations within one laminate, thus, after being cut,resulting in a first waistband having a first installed elongation and asecond waistband having a second installed elongation; both the firstand second waistbands have the same applied waistband strain. Theinstalled elongation is the strain at which the elastic is underrelative to the second material that it is combined with (e.g. low basisweight nonwoven). For example, if the elastic is stretched from 100 mmto 250 mm when it is combined with the nonwoven, it would be said to be150% installed elongation or ((250 mm/100 mm)−1)×100%. This laminate canthen be allowed to relax and will return to about the original 100 mm,but with 250 mm of nonwoven. There can be more than one installedelongation within one waistband laminate if the elastics are strained toa different degree. For example, strand (1) is stretched from 100 mm to250 mm when combined with the nonwoven or has 150% installed elongationwhile strand (2) is stretched from 90 mm to 250 mm when combined withthe NW or has an installed elongation of about 178%.

The Applied Waistband Strain is the strain that the waistband laminateis under when combined with the absorbent article. For example if 100 mmof laminate is stretched to 170 mm when applied it would be consideredto be 70% applied waistband strain or ((170 mm-100 mm)/100 mm×100%). Thefirst installed elongation of any number of elastic strands may be about100%, about 125%, about 140%, about 150%, about 160%, about 175%, about200%. The second installed elongation of any number of elastic strandsmay be about 100%, about 125%, about 140%, about 150%, about 160%, about175%, about 200%.

The delta between the first installed elongation and the secondinstalled elongation may be greater than about 20%, greater than about30%, greater than about 40%.

The resulting Front-to-Back Delta Chassis Contraction may be greaterthan about 5.0%, greater than about 9.0%, greater than about 9.5%,greater than about 12.5%, greater than about 15%, greater than about20%.

The Front-to-Back Delta Chassis Contraction may be less than about 15%,less than about 12.5%, less than about 10%, less than about 9.5%, lessthan about 9% when either the front chassis contraction or the backchassis contraction is greater than about 18%, greater than about 20%.

Differential Contraction Examples:

Front Waist Front Stretched Front Chassis Back Waist Back Stretched BackChassis Front-to-Back Relaxed Chassis Chassis Width Contraction RelaxedChassis Chassis Width Contraction Delta in Chassis Width (mm) (mm) (%)Width (mm) (mm) (%) Contraction (%) Products RCFW ECFW FCC RCBW ECBW BCCDelta CC Anerle 294 330 10.91 296 332 10.84 0.1 Diaper (1) ParentsChoice 251 286 12.24 247 288 14.24 2.0 Diaper (2) Moony 202 232 12.93197 238 17.23 4.3 Diaper (3) Huggies Baby 296 340 12.94 299 335 10.752.2 Steps (4) Huggies 251 270 6.91 231 270 14.34 7.4 Supreme (5) Drypers(6) 300 350 14.29 284 332 14.46 0.2 (1) Anerle Taped Diaper fromPhilippines, Size L (9-13 kg), SKU 90324495220, Lot 20121009WP071157C9236; green foam sandwiched waistband (2) Parents Choice TapedDiaper (2) from North America, Lot 9344 M02 1759 S-1855; white foamsandwiched waistband (3) Moony Taped Diaper from Japan, Lot 910193071;green foam sandwiched waistband (4) Huggies Baby Steps US, 1991, Size 4,Lot 3U251910248; white foam sandwiched waistband in blue film (5)Huggies Supreme 2001, Size 4, Lot NM127501F0755; green nonwovenwaistband with small denier elastic strands in white film (6) Drypers,US, Size Large, Sep. 8, 1998; white foam sandwiched waistband white film

Front Waist Front Stretched Front Chassis Back Waist Back Stretched BackChassis Front-to-Back Relaxed Chassis Chassis Width Contraction RelaxedChassis Chassis Width Contraction Delta Chassis Width (mm) (mm) (%)Width (mm) (mm) (%) Contraction (%) Examples RCFW ECFW FCC RCBW ECBW BCCDelta CC A 171 212.2 24.1 160 212.4 32.8 8.7 B 175.2 212.6 21.3 165.2212.6 28.7 7.3 C 179.6 212.6 18.4 166.2 212.6 27.9 9.5 D 179.4 212.418.4 164.2 212.8 29.6 11.2 E 191.2 212.4 11.1 163.6 212.4 29.8 18.7 F184.6 212.2 15.0 170.6 212.6 24.6 9.7 G 199.4 212.2 6.4 163.6 212.6 30.023.5 H 192.4 212.6 10.5 165 213 29.1 18.6 I 201.6 212.4 5.4 165 212.428.7 23.4 J 208.8 212.8 1.9 164.2 212.8 29.6 27.7 A - InstalledElongation: 150%; Waistband Strain: 150%; Delta Front/Back InstalledElongation: 0 B - Installed Elongation: 200%; Waistband Strain: 200%;Delta Front/Back Installed Elongation: 0 C - Installed Elongation: 150%;Waistband Strain: 130%; Delta Front/Back Installed Elongation: 20 D -Installed Elongation: 200%; Waistband Strain: 180%; Delta Front/BackInstalled Elongation: 20 E - Installed Elongation: 150%; WaistbandStrain: 110%; Delta Front/Back Installed Elongation: 40 F - InstalledElongation: 200%; Waistband Strain: 160%; Delta Front/Back InstalledElongation: 40 G - Installed Elongation: 150%; Waistband Strain: 100%;Delta Front/Back Installed Elongation: 50 H - Installed Elongation:200%; Waistband Strain: 140%; Delta Front/Back Installed Elongation: 60I - Installed Elongation: 200%; Waistband Strain: 120%; Delta Front/BackInstalled Elongation: 80 J - Installed Elongation: 200%; WaistbandStrain: 100%; Delta Front/Back Installed Elongation: 100

Another object of the absorbent articles detailed herein is to deliver abetter balance of thickness (caliper)/cushion and contraction in awaistband than what is currently known in the art. Presently, mostwaistbands are either foam based which have good cushion/caliper forcomfort and containment but are limited in the amount of contraction orthe waistbands are a combination of elastic strands and nonwoven wherethe elastic strands are pulled at high strain which delivers highcontraction, but very little caliper/cushion in use. Thus, one articledisclosed herein is directed to “consolidation” which provides awaistband having the nonwoven material and the elastic strand(s)combined under a higher first strain (installed elongation) and theresulting waistband attached to the article under a lower appliedwaistband strain, such that the folded up nonwoven in the waistbandprovides a cushion/caliper in both the relaxed and stretched/in usestates.

The waistband may be comprised of a laminate comprising a nonwovenmaterial and at least one elastic strand, wherein the nonwoven materialand the elastic strand(s) are combined under a first strain and thewaistband is attached to the article under an applied waistband strain.The first strain, also referred to as the installed strand elongation,may be greater than about 50%, greater than about 75%, greater thanabout 100%, greater than about 150%, greater than about 200%, greaterthan about 225%, greater than about 250%, greater than about 300%,greater than about 350%, greater than about 375%. The applied waistbandstrain, also referred to as the waistband strain, may be greater thanabout 25%, greater than about 50%, greater than about 75%, greater thanabout 100%. The difference between the first strain and the appliedwaistband strain, also referred to as Consolidation, may be greater thanabout 0%, greater than about 65%, greater than about 75%, greater thanabout 100%, greater than about 150%, greater than about 200%, greaterthan about 225%, greater than about 250%, greater than about 300%.

The waistband may have a Full Waistband Consolidation greater than about95%, greater than about 100%, greater than about 125%, greater thanabout 150%, greater than about 175%, greater than about 200%.

The waistband may have an Extended Waistband Consolidation greater thanabout 35%, greater than about 50%, greater than about 75%, greater thanabout 100%, greater than about 125%, greater than about 175%.

The waistband may be attached near the waist edge. The waistband may beattached within 20 mm of the waist edge. The waistband may be attachedflush with the waist edge. The waistband may be present only at onewaist edge. The waistband may be present at both the first and secondwaistband edges.

The nonwoven material and the elastic strand(s) may be combined withadhesive, mechanical bonds, or any other forms of attachment known inthe art. The waistband may be attached to the article with adhesive,mechanical bonds, or any other forms of attachment known in the art.

The relaxed caliper of the waistband may be greater than about 1.60 mm,greater than about 2.00 mm, greater than about 2.25 mm, greater thanabout 2.50 mm.

The extended caliper of the waistband may be greater than about 0.80 mm,greater than about 1.00 mm, greater than about 1.25 mm.

Consolidation Examples:

Relaxed Extended Extended Relaxed Total Full Waistband ExtendedWaistband Caliper Caliper Length CEL Length RWL Length EWL ConsolidationConsolidation Products (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (%) (%) Huggies Snug &0.91 0.55 237 172 273 59 −14 Dry (7) Huggies Little 1.08 0.61 223 155241 56 −14 Movers (8) Huggies 1.45 0.70 220 131 253 93 33 Overnight (9)K 1.64 0.40 205 125 201 60 −1 L 2.24 0.71 208 132 286 116 53 M 2.40 1.04203 130 340 162 98 N 2.54 1.01 205 131 386 195 131 O 2.22 1.29 205 126425 237 176 (7) Huggies Snug & Dry, size 4; Lot No. BI 103108B (8)Huggies Little Movers, size 3; Lot No. BI 024610B (9) Huggies Overnight,size 4; Lot No. PA 027104F K - 75% Installed Elongation and 75%Waistband Strain L - 150% Installed Elongation and 75% Waistband StrainM - 225% Installed Elongation and 75% Waistband Strain N - 300%Installed Elongation and 75% Waistband Strain O - 375% InstalledElongation and 75% Waistband Strain

Another object of the present invention is to deliver an integrated leggasketing system and front/back waistband feature that provides extraleakage protection around the perimeter of the article. Thus, oneversion of the present invention is directed to “360 Leakage Protection”which provides a common leg gasketing system and waistband with similarconstruction having similar gather counts. Additional articles mayinclude leg gasketing systems and waistbands that overlap or havesimilar tints, textures, bond patterns, colors, or other visual cues.

The disposable absorbent article may comprise a waistband and a leggasketing system, as described herein, wherein the leg gasketing systemhas a first gather count and the waistband has a second gather countsuch that the ratio of the first gather count to the second gather countis greater than about 0.5, greater than about 0.75, less than about1.25, less than about 1.50. The ratio of the first gather count to thesecond gather count may be about 1.00. The ratio of the first gathercount to the second gather count may be from about 0.75 to about 1.25.The ratio of the first gather count to the second gather count may befrom about 0.75 to about 1.25, when the leg gasketing system gathercount is greater than about 13. The ratio of the first gather count tothe second gather count may be from about 0.75 to about 1.25, when thewaistband gather count is greater than about 12. The ratio of the firstgather count to the second gather count may be from about 0.75 to about1.25, when the absorbent article is a taped-type product.

Both of the waistband and leg gasketing system may comprise elasticstrands; the waistband may comprise elastic strands; both the waistbandand leg gasketing system may comprise the same type of stretch materialand/or laminate structure.

The waistband may have greater than about 10 gathers per 30 mm section,greater than about 12 gathers per 30 mm section. The leg gasketingsystem may have greater than about 10 gathers per 30 mm section, greaterthan about 12 gathers per 30 mm section.

The waistband may be present in the first waist edge and the secondwaist edge and the leg gasketing system is present in the firstlongitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge.

360 Leakage Protection Examples:

Ratio of Leg Average Leg Average Gasketing System Gasketing WaistbandGather Count to System Gather Waistband Gather Products Gather CountCount Count P 20.7 22.2 0.9 Q 21.2 21.2 1.0 R 16.7 18.2 0.9 Huggies BabySteps (4) 23.2 12.5 1.9 Huggies Supreme (5) 17.0 24.0 0.7 Anerle Diaper(1) 20.0 16.0 1.3 Parent Choice (2) 20.0 15.5 1.3 Moony Diaper (3) 12.511.2 1.1 P - 150% Installed Elongation, 75% Waistband Strain R - 150%Installed Elongation, 75% Waistband Strain Q - 150% InstalledElongation, 75% Waistband Strain

Construction Materials:

It is recognized that there are many combinations of material lateraltensile properties that could form a substantially suitable forcetransmission pathway in the waist region or the article withoutexcessive lateral stretch in the waist region, and that the materialforce pathways may go from the opacity strengthening patch directly intothe polymeric film layer or into the polymeric film layer through avariety of other layers in the region immediately outboard the polymericfilm layer. These layers may include the topsheet, backsheet nonwoven,cuff, absorbent assembly, leg gasketing system, or any other layer thatis located in a region adjacent to the polymeric film layer.

The material of the leg gasketing system 70 may be made from asubstantially liquid impervious material. The material may be selectedfrom the group consisting of an SMS nonwoven, SMMS nonwoven material, ora nonwoven component layer comprising “N-fibers”.

Various nonwoven fabric webs may comprise spunbond, meltblown, spunbond(“SMS”) webs comprising outer layers of spunbond thermoplastics (e.g.,polyolefins) and an interior layer of meltblown thermoplastics. The leggasketing cuff 70 may comprise a nonwoven component layer having finefibers (“N-fibers”) with an average diameter of less than 1 micron (an“N-fiber layer”) may be added to, or otherwise incorporated with, othernonwoven component layers to form a nonwoven web of material. TheN-fiber layer may be used to produce a SNS nonwoven web or SMNS nonwovenweb, for example.

The leg gasketing cuff 70 may comprise a first nonwoven component layercomprising fibers having an average diameter in the range of about 8microns to about 30 microns, a second nonwoven component layercomprising fibers having a number-average diameter of less than about 1micron, a mass-average diameter of less than about 1.5 microns, and aratio of the mass-average diameter to the number-average diameter lessthan about 2, and a third nonwoven component layer comprising fibershaving an average diameter in the range of about 8 microns to about 30microns. The second nonwoven component layer is disposed intermediatethe first nonwoven component layer and the third nonwoven componentlayer.

The N-fibers may be comprised of a polymer, e.g., selected frompolyesters, including PET and PBT, polylactic acid (PLA), alkyds,polyolefins, including polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), andpolybutylene (PB), olefinic copolymers from ethylene and propylene,elastomeric polymers including thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) andstyrenic block-copolymers (linear and radial di- and tri-blockcopolymers such as various types of Kraton), polystyrenes, polyamides,PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates) and e.g. PHB (polyhydroxubutyrate), andstarch-based compositions including thermoplastic starch, for example.The above polymers may be used as homopolymers, copolymers, e.g.,copolymers of ethylene and propylene, blends, and alloys thereof. TheN-fiber layer may be bonded to the other nonwoven component layers byany suitable bonding technique, such as the calender bond process, forexample, also called thermal point bonding.

The use of an N-fiber layer in a nonwoven web may provide a low surfacetension barrier that is as high as other nonwoven webs that have beentreated with a hydrophobic coating or a hydrophobic melt-additive, andstill maintain a low basis weight (e.g., less than 15 gsm or,alternatively, less than 13 gsm). The use of the N-fiber layer may alsoprovide a soft and breathable (i.e., air permeable) nonwoven materialthat may be used in single web layer configurations in applicationswhich previously used double web layer configurations. Furthermore, theuse of the N-fiber layer may at least reduce the undesirable migrationof hydrophilic surfactants toward the web and, therefore, may ultimatelyresult in better leak protection for an associated absorbent article.Also, when compared to an SMS web having a similar basis weight, the useof a nonwoven web comprising the N-fiber layer may decrease the numberof defects (i.e., holes or pinholes through the mechanical bond site)created during the mechanical bonding process. N-fibers are furtherdiscussed in WO 2005/095700 and U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/024,844.

The inner cuff 71 web of material may have a hydrostatic head of greaterthan about 2 mbar, greater than about 3 mbar, greater than about 4 mbar.The outer cuff 74 web of material may have a hydrostatic head of lessthan about 200 mbar, less than about 100 mbar, less than about 75 mbar,less than about 50 mbar, less than about 25 mbar, less than about 15mbar.

The folded outer cuff web of material may have a basis weight of 10 gsm;optionally 13 gsm; optionally 15 gsm; optionally 18 gsm.

The inner cuff 71 web of material may have an opacity of from about 15%to about 50% hunter opacity; optionally from about 20% to about 45%hunter opacity. The outer cuff 74 web of material may have an opacity offrom about 45% to about 75% hunter opacity; optionally from about 50% toabout 70% hunter opacity; optionally less than about 75% hunter opacity;optionally less than about 70% hunter opacity.

The inner cuff 71 web of material may have an air permeability of lessthan about 50 m³/m²/min; optionally less than about 45 m³/m²/min. Theouter cuff 74 web of material may have an air permeability of greaterthan about 5 m³/m²/min; optionally greater than about 10 m³/m²/min;optionally greater than about 15 m³/m²/min; optionally greater thanabout 20 m³/m²/min.

The inner cuff 71 web of material may have a WVTR of less than about5500 g/m²/24 hrs; optionally less than about 5400 g/m²/24 hrs. The outercuff 74 web of material may have a WVTR of greater than about 4250g/m²/24 hrs; optionally greater than about 4500 g/m²/24 hrs; optionallygreater than about 5000 g/m²/24 hrs; optionally greater than about 5250g/m²/24 hrs; optionally greater than about 5500 g/m²/24 hrs.

The gasketing cuffs 70 may be substantially inelastic or may beelastically extensible to dynamically fit at the wearer's leg. Thegasketing cuff 70 may be formed by one or more elastic members 77 and 78(such as elastic strands) operatively joined to the topsheet 24,backsheet 26, or any other suitable substrate used in the formation ofthe absorbent article 20. Suitable gasketing cuff construction isfurther described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003

The inner cuff 71 may span the entire longitudinal length of theabsorbent article 20. The inner cuff 71 may be formed by a flap and anelastic member 78 (such as elastic strands). The inner cuff 71 may be acontinuous extension of any of the existing materials or elements thatform the absorbent article 20.

The inner cuff 71 may comprise a variety of substrates such as plasticfilms and woven or nonwoven webs of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cottonfibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers), ora combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The flap may comprise anonwoven web such as spunbond webs, meltblown webs, carded webs, andcombinations thereof (e.g., spunbond-meltblown composites and variants).Laminates of the aforementioned substrates may also be used to form theflap. A particularly suitable flap may comprise a nonwoven availablefrom BBA Fiberweb, Brentwood, Tenn. as supplier code 30926. Aparticularly suitable elastic member is available from Invista, Wichita,Kans. as supplier code T262P. Further description of diapers havinginner barrier cuffs and suitable construction of such barrier cuffs maybe found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,808,178 and 4,909,803. The elastic member78 may span the longitudinal length of the inner cuff 71. The elasticmember 78 may span at least the longitudinal length of the inner cuff 71within the crotch region 37. It is desirable that the elastic member 78exhibits sufficient elasticity such that the inner cuff 71 remains incontact with the wearer during normal wear, thereby enhancing thebarrier properties of the inner cuff 71. The elastic member 78 may beconnected to the flap at opposing longitudinal ends. The flap may befolded over onto itself so as to encircle the elastic member 78.

The inner cuff 71 and/or outer cuff 74 may be treated, in full or inpart, with a lotion, as described above with regard to topsheets, or maybe fully or partially coated with a hydrophobic surface coating asdetailed in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/055,743, which was filed Feb.10, 2005. Hydrophobic surface coatings usefully herein may include anonaqueous, solventless, multicomponent silicone composition. Thesilicone composition includes at least one silicone polymer and issubstantially free of aminosilicones. A particularly suitablehydrophobic surface coating is available from Dow Corning MI, Salzburgas supplier code 0010024820.

Examples

Air 32 dyne Opacity Permeability WVTR Hydrohead Strikethrough %m³/m²/min g/m²/24 hrs mbar Sec Outer Inner Outer Inner Outer Inner OuterInner Outer Inner Product Lot No. Cuff Cuff Cuff Cuff Cuff Cuff CuffCuff Cuff Cuff Prototype NA 58.7± 37.6 ± 26.8 ± 36.9 ± 5905 ± 5224 ±16.8 ± 12.3 ± 21.0 ± 9.2 ± N-Fiber 2.2 3.2 5.6 4.6 129 87 2.1 1.3 3.51.5 Prototype NA 65.8 ± 39.0 ± 65.6 ± 38.5 ± 5748 ± 5193 ± 16.3 ± 10.0 ±15.6 ± 7.6 ± SMS 1.8 1.0 11.5 3.8 276 145 1.8 1.7 1.9 1.4 Pampers0089U011390422 80.1 ± 38.8 ± 2.1 ± 56.1 ± 4063 ± 5252 ± >200 6.7 ± >10010.1 ± BabyDry 0.4 3.8 1.0 6.3 67 157 0.8 0.5 Luvs 1047U011390518 85.3 ±36.4 ± 3.1± 90.2 ± 304 ± 5244 ± >200 6.5 ± >100 11.8 ± 1.2 3.4 1.9 9.3144 26 1.0 1.4 Huggies BI006912B 80.1 ± 45.4 ± 2.6 ± 45.0 ± 3673 ± 5581± >200 8.3 ± >100 14.3 ± Little 1.0 4.2 0.4 15.7 190 90 1.3 3.5 MoversHuggies NM1275U1F0755 72.7 ± 53.6 ± 4.4 ± 145.2 ± 375 ± 5688 ± >200 9.2± >100 14.6 ± Supreme 2.2 2.3 1.1 23.2 77 85 1.8 3.1 * Results areexpressed as the average ± one standard deviation * Prototype N-Fiber isa 13 gsm SMNS available from Polymer Group Inc * Prototype SMS is a 15gsm SMS (Spunbonded-Meltblown-Spunbonded) nonwoven available fromFibertex under the Comfort Line

Test Methods: Opacity Method

Opacity is measured using a 0° illumination/45° detection,circumferential optical geometry, spectrophotometer with a computerinterface such as the HunterLab Lab Scan XE running Universal Software(available from Hunter Associates Laboratory Inc., Reston, Va.) orequivalent instrument. Instrument calibration and measurements are madeusing the standard white and black calibration plates provided by thevendor. All testing is performed in a room maintained at 23±2° C. and50±2% relative humidity.

The spectrophotometer is conFIG.d for the XYZ color scale, D65illuminant, 10° standard observer, with UV filter set to nominal. Theinstrument is standardized according to the manufacturer's proceduresusing the 0.7 inch port size and 0.5 inch area view. After calibration,the software is set to the Y opacity procedure which prompts theoperator to cover the sample with either the white or black calibrationtile during the measurement.

Articles are pre-conditioned at 23° C.±2 C.° and 50%±2% relativehumidity for two hours prior to testing. To obtain a specimen, thearticle is stretched flat on a bench, body facing surface upward, andthe total longitudinal length of the article is measured. A testing siteon the inner and outer cuffs is selected at the longitudinal midpoint ofthe article. Using scissors, a test specimen is cut 60 mm long by theentire height of the inner cuff centered at the longitudinal midpoint ofthe left cuff. Next, a second test specimen is cut, this time from theouter cuff, 60 mm long by the entire height of the outer cuff, centeredat the longitudinal midpoint of the left outer cuff. In like fashion,inner and outer cuff specimens are prepared from the cuffs on the rightside of the article.

The specimen is placed over the measurement port. The specimen shouldcompletely cover the port with the surface corresponding to theinner-facing surface of the cuff directed toward the port. The specimenis gently extended until taut in its longitudinal direction so that thecuff lies flat against the port plate. Adhesive tape is applied tosecure the cuff to the port plate in its extended state for testing.Tape should not cover any portion of the measurement port. The specimenis then covered with the white standard plate. A reading is taken, thenthe white tile is removed and replaced with the black standard tilewithout moving the specimen. A second reading is taken, and the opacityis calculated as follows:

Opacity=(Y value_((black backing)) /Y value_((white backing)))×100

Specimens from five identical articles (10 inner cuff (5 left and 5right) and 10 outer cuff (5 left and 5 right)) are analyzed and theiropacity results recorded. The average opacity for the inner cuffs andthe outer cuffs are calculated and report separately, each to thenearest 0.01%.

Water Vapor Transmission Rate Method

Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) is measured using the wet cupapproach. A cylindrical cup is filled with water, maintaining a constantheadspace between the water surface and a specimen sealed over the cup'supper opening. The vapor loss is measured gravimetrically after heatingthe assembled cup for a specified time in an oven. All testing isperformed in a room maintained at 23° C.±2 C.° and 50%±2% relativehumidity.

Articles are preconditioned at 23° C.±2 C.° and 50%±2% relative humidityfor two hours prior to testing. The article stretched flat on a bench,body facing surface upward, and the total longitudinal length of thearticle is measured. A testing site on the inner and outer cuffs isselected at the longitudinal midpoint of the article. Using scissors, atest specimen is cut 60 mm long by the entire height of the inner cuffcentered at the longitudinal midpoint of the left cuff. Next, a secondtest specimen is cut, this time from the outer cuff, 60 mm long by theentire height of the outer cuff, centered at the longitudinal midpointof the left outer cuff. In like fashion, inner and outer cuff specimensfrom the cuffs on the right side of the article are prepared.

Glass straight walled, cylindrical vials, 95 mm tall with a 17.8 mminternal diameter at the opening are used as WVTR test vials. Each testvial is filled with distilled water accurately to a level 25.0 mm±0.1 mmfrom the upper lip of the vial's opening. The specimen is placed,inner-facing surface of the cuff downward, over the vial's opening. Thespecimen is gently pulled taut and secured around the vial'scircumference with an elastic band. The specimen is further sealed bywrapping Teflon tape around the vial's circumference. A preferred Teflontape is a thread sealant tape 0.25″ wide available from McMaster Carr(cat. No. 4591K11) or equivalent. The Teflon tape is applied up to thetop edge of the vial but should not cover any portion of the vial'sopening. The mass of the vial assembly (vial+specimen+sealing tape) isweighed to the nearest 0.0001 gram. This is the starting mass.

The vial assemblies are placed upright in a mechanical convection oven(e.g. Lindberg/BlueM oven available from ThermoScientific or equivalent)maintained at 38±1° C. for 24 hours, taking care to avoid contactbetween the water in the vials and the specimens. After 24 hours haselapsed, the vial assemblies are removed from the oven and allowed tocome to room temperature. The mass of each vial assembly is measured tothe nearest 0.0001 gram. This is the final mass.

The WVTR is calculated using the following equation:

WVTR (g/m²/24 hrs)=([starting mass (g)−final mass (g)]/surface area(m²))/24 hrs

Specimens from five identical articles (10 inner cuff (5 left and 5right) and 10 outer cuff (5 left and 5 right)) are analyzed and theirWVTR results recorded. The average WVTR for the inner cuffs and theouter cuffs are each reported separately to the nearest 1 g/m²/24 hrs.

Air Permeability Test

Air permeability is tested using a TexTest FX3300 Air PermeabilityTester (available from Advanced Testing Instruments, Greer, S.C.) with acustom made 1 cm² circular aperture (also available from AdvancedTesting Instruments) or equivalent instrument. The instrument iscalibrated according to the manufacturer's procedures. All testing isperformed in a room maintained at 23° C.±2 C.° and 50%±2% relativehumidity.

The articles are pre-conditioned at 23° C.±2 C.° and 50%±2% relativehumidity for two hours prior to testing. To obtain a specimen, thearticle is stretched flat on a bench, body facing surface upward, andthe total longitudinal length of the article is measured. A testing siteon the inner and outer cuffs is selected at the longitudinal midpoint ofthe article. Using scissors, a test specimen is cut 60 mm long by theentire height of the inner cuff centered at the longitudinal midpoint ofthe left cuff. Next, a second test specimen is cut, this time from theouter cuff, 60 mm long by the entire height of the outer cuff, centeredat the longitudinal midpoint of the left outer cuff. In like fashion,inner and outer cuff specimens are prepared from the cuffs on the rightside of the article.

The specimen is centered over the measurement port. The specimen shouldcompletely cover the port with the surface corresponding to theinward-facing surface of the cuff directed toward the port. The specimenis gently extended in its longitudinal direction until taut so that thecuff lies flat across the port. Adhesive tape is applied to secure thecuff across the port in its extended state for testing. Tape should notcover any portion of the measurement port. The test pressure is set toallow air to pass through the specimen. For non-woven cuffs the pressureis typically set for 125 Pa and for cuffs containing films typically2125 Pa is used. The sample ring is closed and the measuring range isadjusted until the range indicator shows green to indicate that themeasurement is within the accepted limits of the instrument. The airpermeability is recorded to the nearest 0.1 m³/m²/min.

Hydrostatic Head Test

Hydrostatic head is tested using a TexTest FX3000 Hydrostatic HeadTester (available from Advanced Testing Instruments, Greer, S.C.) with acustom made 1.5 cm² circular measurement port (also available fromAdvanced Testing Instruments). Two annular sleeve rings, the samedimensions as the gaskets around the measurement ports, are cut from thestandard protective sleeves for fine nonwovens (part FX3000-NWH,available from Advanced Testing Instruments). The sleeve rings are thenadhered with two-sided adhesive tape to the sample facing surfaces ofthe upper and lower gaskets of the TexTest instrument to protect thespecimen during clamping. Standardize the instrument according to themanufacturer's procedures. All testing is performed in a room maintainedat about 23° C.±2 C.° and about 50%±2% relative humidity.

Precondition the articles at about 23° C.±2 C.° and about 50%±2%relative humidity for two hours prior to testing. To obtain a specimen,lay the article stretched flat on a bench, body facing surface upward,and measure the total longitudinal length of the article. Select atesting site on the inner and outer cuffs, at the longitudinal midpointof the article. Using scissors cut a test specimen 70 mm long by theentire height of the inner cuff centered at the longitudinal midpoint ofthe left cuff. Next cut a second test specimen, this time from the outercuff, 70 mm long by the entire height of the outer cuff, centered at thelongitudinal midpoint of the left outer cuff. In like fashion, prepareinner and outer cuff specimens from the cuffs on the right side of thearticle.

Place the specimen centered over the port of the upper test head. Thespecimen should completely cover the port with the surface correspondingto the outward-facing surface of the cuff directed toward the port(inner-facing surface will then be facing the water). Gently extend thespecimen taut in its longitudinal direction so that the cuff lies flatagainst the upper test plate. Adhesive tape is applied to secure thecuff to the test plate in its extended state for testing. Tape shouldnot cover any portion of the measurement port.

Fill the TexTest syringe with distilled water, adding the water throughthe measurement port of the lower test plate. The water level should befilled to the top of the lower gasket. Mount the upper test head ontothe instrument and lower the test head to make a seal around thespecimen. The test speed is set to 3 mbar/min for samples that have ahydrostatic head of 50 mbar or less and a speed of 60 mbar/min forsamples with a hydrostatic head above 50 mbar. Start the test andobserve the specimen surface to detect water droplets penetrating thesurface. The test is terminated when one drop is detected on the surfaceof the specimen or the pressure exceeds 200 mbar. Record the pressure tothe nearest 0.5 mbar or record as >200 mbar if there was no penetrationdetected.

A total of five identical articles (10 inner cuff and 10 outer cuffspecimens) are analyzed and their hydrostatic head results recorded.Calculate and report the average hydrostatic head for the inner cuffsand the outer cuffs and report each to the nearest 0.1 mbar.

Low Surface Tension Fluid Strikethrough Time Test

The low surface tension fluid strikethrough time test is used todetermine the amount of time it takes a specified quantity of a lowsurface tension fluid, discharged at a prescribed rate, to fullypenetrate a sample of a web (and other comparable barrier materials)which is placed on a reference absorbent pad.

For this test, the reference absorbent pad is 5 plies of Ahlstrom grade989 filter paper (10 cm×10 cm) and the test fluid is a 32 mN/m lowsurface tension fluid.

This test is designed to characterize the low surface tension fluidstrikethrough performance (in seconds) of webs intended to provide abarrier to low surface tension fluids, such as runny BM, for example.

Lister Strikethrough Tester: The instrumentation is like described inEDANA ERT 153.0-02 section 6 with the following exception: thestrike-through plate has a star-shaped orifice of 3 slots angled at 60degrees with the narrow slots having a 10.0 mm length and a 1.2 mm slotwidth. This equipment is available from Lenzing Instruments (Austria)and from W. Fritz Metzger Corp (USA). The unit needs to be set up suchthat it does not time out after 100 seconds.

Reference Absorbent Pad: Ahlstrom Grade 989 filter paper, in 10 cm×10 cmareas, is used. The average strikethrough time is 3.3+0.5 seconds for 5plies of filter paper using the

32 mN/m test fluid and without the web sample. The filter paper may bepurchased from Empirical Manufacturing Company, Inc. (EMC) 7616 ReinholdDrive Cincinnati, Ohio 45237.

Test Fluid: The 32 mN/m surface tension fluid is prepared with distilledwater and 0.42+/−0.001 g/liter Triton-X 100. All fluids are kept atambient conditions.

Electrode-Rinsing Liquid: 0.9% sodium chloride (CAS 7647-14-5) aqueoussolution (9 g NaCl per 1 L of distilled water) is used.

Test Procedure

All testing is performed in a room maintained at about 23° C.±2 C.° andabout 50%±2% relative humidity. The Ahlstrom filter paper and testarticles are conditioned in this controlled environment for 24 hours and2 hours before testing.

Ensure that the surface tension is 32 mN/m+/−1 mN/m. Otherwise remakethe test fluid.

Prepare the 0.9% NaCl aqueous electrode rinsing liquid.

Ensure that the strikethrough target (3.3+/−0.5 seconds) for theReference Absorbent Pad is met by testing 5 plies with the 32 mN/m testfluid as follows:

Neatly stack 5 plies of the Reference Absorbent Pad onto the base plateof the strikethrough tester.

Place the strikethrough plate over the 5 plies and ensure that thecenter of the plate is over the center of the paper. Center thisassembly under the dispensing funnel.

Ensure that the upper assembly of the strikethrough tester is lowered tothe pre-set stop point.

Ensure that the electrodes are connected to the timer.

Turn the strikethrough tester “on” and zero the timer.

Using the 5 mL fixed volume pipette and tip, dispense 5 mL of the 32mN/m test fluid into the funnel.

Open the magnetic valve of the funnel (by depressing a button on theunit, for example) to discharge the 5 mL of test fluid. The initial flowof the fluid will complete the electrical circuit and start the timer.The timer will stop when the fluid has penetrated into the ReferenceAbsorbent Pad and fallen below the level of the electrodes in thestrikethrough plate.

Record the time indicated on the electronic timer.

Remove the test assembly and discard the used Reference Absorbent Pad.Rinse the electrodes with the 0.9% NaCl aqueous solution to “prime” themfor the next test. Dry the depression above the electrodes and the backof the strikethrough plate, as well as wipe off the dispenser exitorifice and the bottom plate or table surface upon which the filterpaper is laid.

Repeat this test procedure for a minimum of 3 replicates to ensure thestrikethrough target of the Reference Absorbent Pad is met. If thetarget is not met, the Reference Absorbent Pad may be out of spec andshould not be used.

After the Reference Absorbent Pad performance has been verified,nonwoven web samples may be tested.

Precondition the test articles at about 23° C.±2 C.° and about 50%±2%relative humidity for two hours prior to testing. To obtain a specimen,lay the article stretched flat on a bench, body facing surface upward,and measure the total longitudinal length of the article. Select atesting site on the inner and outer cuffs, at the longitudinal midpointof the article. Using scissors cut a test specimen 70 mm long by theentire height of the inner cuff centered at the longitudinal midpoint ofthe left cuff. Next cut a second test specimen, this time from the outercuff, 70 mm long by the entire height of the outer cuff, centered at thelongitudinal midpoint of the left outer cuff. In like fashion, prepareinner and outer cuff specimens from the cuffs on the right side of thearticle.

Place the specimen centered over the port of the strike through plate.The specimen should completely cover the port with the surfacecorresponding to the body-facing surface of the cuff directed toward theport. Gently extend the specimen taut in its longitudinal direction sothat the cuff lies flat against the upper test plate. Adhesive tape isapplied to secure the cuff to the test plate in its extended state fortesting. Tape should not cover any portion of the measurement port.

Ensure that the upper assembly of the strikethrough tester is lowered tothe pre-set stop point.

Ensure that the electrodes are connected to the timer. Turn thestrikethrough tester “on” and zero the timer.

Run as described above.

Repeat this procedure for three articles. Average the six values andreport as the 32 mN/m low surface tension strikethrough time to thenearest 0.1 seconds.

Chassis Contraction Method

The chassis contraction is measured using a calibrated ruler capable ofmeasuring to ±1 mm, (traceable to National standards such as NIST), anda force gauge capable of measuring an applied force of 500 g accuratelyto ±0.5 g (a suitable gauge is the Chatillon DFS series, available fromAmetek, Largo, Fla.). A spring loaded clamp, with contact faces 60 mmwide by 10 mm deep, is attached to the force gauge to hold the testarticle. All testing is performed in a room maintained at about 23±2° C.and about 50±2% relative humidity. All samples were conditioned for 2hours before testing at about 23±2° C. and about 50±2% relativehumidity.

For this measure the chassis is identified as the portion of the articlewith contiguous back sheet and does not include any attached tabs orattached elastic tabs/ears. Unfold the absorbent article taking care notto stretch the waist features. Place it on a horizontal bench surfacewith the back sheet facing the bench and the top sheet facing upward. Ifpresent, unfold and lie flat any tabs or ears attached to the back halfof the article. Identify the back waist feature of the article. With thearticle flat against the bench, lay the calibrated ruler along thearticle aligning it with the lateral midline of the waist feature.Measure the lateral distance from the right distal edge of the chassisto the left distal edge of the chassis and record to the nearest 1 mm.This is the Relaxed Back Chassis Width (RBCW)

Attach the force gauge to the right distal edge of the chassis. Asattached, the force gauge is oriented to pull from left to right. Thegrip faces are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the article,centered at the lateral midline of the waist feature, with 3 mm of thechassis within the grip faces.

Adhere a piece of 2-sided adhesive tape 50 mm in width by 900 mm long tothe bench. Hold the article with the back sheet directed toward thetaped surface with the back waist parallel to the long dimension of thetape. Align the lateral midline of the waist feature with the lateralmidline of the tape strip. Secure the first 3 mm of the left chassisedge to the adhesive tape. Using the force gauge, extend the back waistto an applied force of 500 g. Next lower the article and adhere thearticle's back waist to the adhesive tape across the lateral width ofthe chassis. Remove the force gauge from the chassis. Lay the ruleracross the article aligning it along the lateral midline of the waistfeature. Measure the lateral distance from the right distal edge of thechassis to the left distal edge of the chassis and record to the nearest1 mm. This is the Extended Back Chassis Width (EBCW).

Repeat this measure in like fashion for the front waist feature of thearticle to determine the Relaxed Front Chassis Width (RFCW) and theExtended Front Chassis Width (EFCW). Calculate the Chassis Contractionsas follows:

% Back Chassis Contraction (% BCC)=(EBCW−RBCW)/EBCW×100%

% Front Chassis Contraction (% FCC)=(EFCW−RFCW)/EFCW×100

Front-to-Back Delta Chassis Contraction=absolute value of (% BCC−% FCC)

Waist Feature Calipers

Calipers were performed using an Ono Sokki digital caliper (GS-503Linear Gauge Sensor with DG-3610 Digital Gauge, Ono Sokki Co, Japan)capable of measuring to 0.01 mm. The foot diameter is 1 cm and theapplied pressure is 0.5 psi. Readings are taken after a residence timeof 5 sec. Linear measurements are made using a calibrated ruler capableof measuring to ±1 mm (traceable to National standards such as NIST). Astainless steel plate, uniformly 1.5 mm thick±0.1 mm, 20 cm wide and 40cm long is used for mounting the extended waist. All testing isperformed in a room maintained at about 23±2° C. and about 50±2%relative humidity. All samples are conditioned for 2 hours beforetesting at about 23±2° C. and about 50±2% relative humidity.

Relaxed Waist Calipers

Unfold an absorbent article taking care not to stretch the waistfeatures. Place it on a horizontal bench surface with the back sheetfacing the bench and the top sheet facing upward. If present, unfold andlie flat any tabs or ears attached to the back half of the article.Identify the back waist feature of the article. Using a calibrated rulermeasure the lateral width of the waist feature along its longitudinalmidline. This is the Relaxed Length of the waist feature (RWL) Mark thewaist feature along its midline at 50% of its lateral width. This iswaist site 1 (WS1). Measure and mark two more sites, the first 1.5 cm tothe left of the 50% mark (WS2) and the second 1.5 cm to the right of the50% mark (WS3).

Place the caliper on the anvil and zero the digital controller. Placethe article on the anvil, with the top sheet facing upward, and use thecaliper to measure the thickness at WS1, WS2, and WS3. Report to thenearest 0.01 mm as the Relaxed Waist Caliper RWC1, RWC2, and RWC3respectively.

Using a cryogenic freeze spray (available as CytoFreeze, ControlCompany, TX) gently remove the elastic feature from the article. Placethe article on the anvil, with the top sheet facing upward, and use thecaliper to measure the thickness of the article corresponding to WS1,WS2, and WS3. Report to the nearest 0.01 mm as Relaxed Back SheetCaliper RBC1, RBC2, RBC3 respectively.

Calculate the Waist Feature Caliper as:

Relaxed Waist Feature Caliper=[(RWC1−RBC1)+(RWC2−RBC2)+(RWC3−RBC3)]/3

Repeat this procedure for three identical articles and report as theaverage to the nearest 0.01 mm.

Extended Waist Calipers

Unfold an absorbent article taking care not to stretch the waistfeatures. Assemble a vertical ring stand which supports a horizontalbar. Attach a spring loaded clamp to the left edge of the chassis,centered on the waist feature. Attach the clamp to the horizontalsupport so that the waist feature hangs vertically. Attach a secondclamp, which has a mass of 300 g±1 g, to the right edge of the chassis,centered on the midline of the waist feature. Allow the article to hangfor 30 seconds and then using the calibrated ruler measure the extendedlength of the waist feature to the nearest 1 mm. This is the ChassisExtended Length (CEL). The CEL can be used for all extended waistmeasures.

Unfold another absorbent article taking care not to stretch the waistfeatures. Place it on a horizontal bench surface with the back sheetfacing the bench and the top sheet facing upward. If present, unfold andlie flat any tabs or ears attached to the back half of the article.Identify the back waist feature of the article. Using a calibrated rulermeasure the lateral width of the waist feature along its longitudinalmidline. This is the Relaxed Length of the waist feature (RWL) Mark thewaist feature along its midline at 50% of its lateral width. This iswaist site 1 (WS1). Measure and mark two more sites, the first 1.5 cm tothe left of the 50% mark (WS2) and the second 1.5 cm to the right of the50% mark (WS3). Identify the proximal edge of the waist feature, i.e.the edge closest to the crotch of the article. Mark a lateral line 1.5cm from the proximal edge toward the crotch, and parallel to the waistfeature. Along a longitudinal axis that passes through WS1, mark theintersection at the lateral line just drawn (AS1). Repeat in likefashion for WS2 and WS3 to define sites AS2 and AS3 respectively.

Place the article, top sheet facing upward, onto the stainless steelplate. Secure the left distal edge of the chassis at the waist feature'smidline to the steel plate with adhesive tape. Grasp the right side ofthe chassis and pull until the waist feature has been extended equal tothe Chassis Extended Length (CEL). Secure the right side of the chassisto the steel plate with adhesive tape.

Place the steel plate with attached article on the anvil of the caliper.Place the caliper foot on a region of the steel plate that is notcovered by the article and zero the digital control. Using the caliper,measure the thickness at the six marked sites. Report to the nearest0.01 mm as Extended Waist Caliper EWC1, EWC2, and EWC3. Using acryogenic freeze spray gently remove the elastic feature from thearticle. Place the steel plate with attached article on the anvil of thecaliper and measure the thickness of the article at the sitescorresponding to WS1, WS2 and WS3. Report to the nearest 0.01 mm asExtended Back Sheet Caliper EBC1, EBC2, EBC3 respectively.

Calculate the Waist Feature Calipers as:

Extended Waist Feature Caliper=[(EWC1−EBC1)+(EWC2−EBC2)+(EWC3−EBC3)]/3

Repeat this procedure for three identical articles and report as theaverage to the nearest 0.01 mm.

Waist Feature Percent Consolidation

Linear measurements are made using a calibrated ruler capable ofmeasuring to ±1 mm (traceable to National standards such as NIST). Alltesting is performed in a room maintained at about 23±2° C. and about50±2% relative humidity. All samples are conditioned for 2 hours beforetesting at about 23±2° C. and about 50±2% relative humidity.

Unfold the absorbent article taking care not to stretch the waistfeatures. Place it on a horizontal bench surface with the back sheetfacing the bench and the top sheet facing upward. If present, unfold andlie flat any tabs or ears attached to the back half of the article.Identify the back waist feature of the article. Using a calibrated rulermeasure the lateral width of the waist feature along its midline andrecord to the nearest 1 mm. This is the Relaxed Length of the waistfeature (RWL).

Using a cryogenic freeze spray (available as CytoFreeze, ControlCompany, TX) carefully remove the waist feature from the article. Placethe waist feature into a beaker with 100 mL of dichloromethane and soakfor 15 minutes to dissolve the adhesives. Remove the waist feature fromthe solvent and remove the elastics. Lay the waist feature substrateflat in a fume hood to dry. Assemble a vertical ring stand whichsupports a horizontal bar. Attach a spring loaded clamp, which is atleast as wide as the waist feature, to the left edge of the waistfeature. Attach the clamp to the horizontal support so that the waistfeature hangs vertically. Attach a second clamp, which has a mass of 3g±1 g and is at least as wide as the waist feature, to the right edge ofthe waist feature. Allow the article to hang for 30 seconds and thenusing the calibrated ruler measure the extended length of the waistfeature to the nearest 1 mm. This is the Extended Waist Feature Length(EWL).

Calculate the Full Waistband Consolidation as:

% Full Waistband Consolidation=((EWL−RWL)/RWL)×100

Repeat this procedure for three identical articles and report as theaverage to the nearest 1 mm.

Calculate the Extended Waistband Consolidation as:

% Extended WaistbandConsolidation=((EWL−RWL)/RWL)×100−((1−((CEL−RWL)/CEL))*100)

Repeat this procedure for three identical articles and report as theaverage to the nearest 1 mm.

Frequency of Waistband and Outer Leg Cuff Gathers on Taped DiaperProducts

In the visual center of the waistband on the diaper both CD and MD,report the number of gathers per 30 mm on both taped end (TE) andun-taped end (UTE). Hold in place the measuring template, as shown inFIG. 10, then count the gather peaks within the 30 mm window on thetemplate. Make sure not to stretch the gathers. Perform this on both thetaped (TE) inside and outside and then repeat on the un-taped end (UTE)inside and outside of the product. Report the number of gathers withinthe 30 mm.

In the visual center of the Leg Gasketing System gather on the diaperboth CD and MD, report the number of gathers per 30 mm on both Babyright and Baby left. Hold in place the measuring template then count thenumber of gathers within the 30 mm window on the template. Make sure notto stretch the gathers. Perform this on both Baby right and Baby left ofthe product both CD and MD. Report the number of gathers within the 30mm.

Calculate the Ratio of Leg Gasketing System Gather Count to WaistbandGather Count as follows:

Ratio=Average Leg Gasketing System Gather Count/Average Waistband GatherCount

Repeat this procedure for three identical articles and report as theaverage.

CD Length Ratio

CD Length Ratio is the ratio of chassis extended length (CEL) toExtended Back Chassis Width (EBCW), as defined here.

Calculate the CD Length Ratio as follows:

CD Length Ratio=CEL/EBCW

Repeat this procedure for three identical articles and report as theaverage.

Packaging:

The absorbent articles of the present disclosure may be placed intopackages. The packages may comprise polymeric films and/or othermaterials. Graphics and/or indicia relating to properties of theabsorbent articles may be formed on, printed on, positioned on, and/orplaced on outer portions of the packages. Each package may comprise aplurality of absorbent articles. The absorbent articles may be packedunder compression so as to reduce the size of the packages, while stillproviding an adequate amount of absorbent articles per package. Bypackaging the absorbent articles under compression, caregivers caneasily handle and store the packages, while also providing distributionsavings to manufacturers owing to the size of the packages.

Accordingly, packages of the absorbent articles of the presentdisclosure may have an In-Bag Stack Height of less than about 110 mm,less than about 105 mm, less than about 100 mm, less than about 95 mm,less than about 90 mm, less than about 85 mm, less than about 80 mm,less than about 78 mm, less than about 76 mm, less than about 74 mm,less than about 72 mm, or less than about 70 mm, specifically recitingall 0.1 mm increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formedtherein or thereby, according to the In-Bag Stack Height Test describedherein. Alternatively, packages of the absorbent articles of the presentdisclosure may have an In-Bag Stack Height of from about 70 mm to about110 mm, from about 70 mm to about 105 mm, from about 70 mm to about 100mm, from about 70 mm to about 95 mm, from about 70 mm to about 90 mm,from about 70 mm to about 85 mm, from about 72 mm to about 80 mm, orfrom about 74 mm to about 78 mm, specifically reciting all 0.1 mmincrements within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein orthereby, according to the In-Back Stack Height Test described herein.

FIG. 36 illustrates an example package 1000 comprising a plurality ofabsorbent articles 1004. The package 1000 defines an interior space 1002in which the plurality of absorbent articles 1004 are situated. Theplurality of absorbent articles 1004 are arranged in one or more stacks1006.

In-Bag Stack Height Test

The in-bag stack height of a package of absorbent articles is determinedas follows:

Equipment

A thickness tester with a flat, rigid horizontal sliding plate is used.The thickness tester is configured so that the horizontal sliding platemoves freely in a vertical direction with the horizontal sliding platealways maintained in a horizontal orientation directly above a flat,rigid horizontal base plate. The thickness tester includes a suitabledevice for measuring the gap between the horizontal sliding plate andthe horizontal base plate to within ±0.5 mm. The horizontal slidingplate and the horizontal base plate are larger than the surface of theabsorbent article package that contacts each plate, i.e. each plateextends past the contact surface of the absorbent article package in alldirections. The horizontal sliding plate exerts a downward force of850±1 gram-force (8.34 N) on the absorbent article package, which may beachieved by placing a suitable weight on the center of thenon-package-contacting top surface of the horizontal sliding plate sothat the total mass of the sliding plate plus added weight is 850±1grams.

Test Procedure

Absorbent article packages are equilibrated at 23±2° C. and 50±5%relative humidity prior to measurement.

The horizontal sliding plate is raised and an absorbent article packageis placed centrally under the horizontal sliding plate in such a waythat the absorbent articles within the package are in a horizontalorientation (see FIG. 36). Any handle or other packaging feature on thesurfaces of the package that would contact either of the plates isfolded flat against the surface of the package so as to minimize theirimpact on the measurement. The horizontal sliding plate is loweredslowly until it contacts the top surface of the package and thenreleased. The gap between the horizontal plates is measured to within±0.5 mm ten seconds after releasing the horizontal sliding plate. Fiveidentical packages (same size packages and same absorbent articlescounts) are measured and the arithmetic mean is reported as the packagewidth. The “In-Bag Stack Height”=(package width/absorbent article countper stack)×10 is calculated and reported to within ±0.5 mm.

Examples

-   -   A. A disposable absorbent article for wearing about the lower        torso of a wearer, the disposable absorbent article comprising:        a first waist region, a second waist region, a crotch region        disposed between the first and second waist regions; a first        waist edge and a second waist edge; and a first longitudinal        edge and a second longitudinal edge; wherein the disposable        absorbent article comprises a chassis comprising:        -   1.) a topsheet;        -   2.) a backsheet; and        -   3.) an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the            backsheet;        -   wherein the disposable absorbent article further comprises a            leg gasketing system;        -   wherein the leg gasketing system comprises a web of material            forming an inner cuff and an outer cuff;        -   wherein the inner cuff comprises an inner cuff folded edge            and an inner cuff material edge and the outer cuff comprises            an outer cuff folded edge and an outer cuff material edge,            such that the web of material is folded laterally inward to            form the outer cuff folded edge and folded laterally outward            to form the inner cuff folded edge;        -   wherein the absorbent core comprises superabsorbent polymer            enclosed within a core wrap, wherein the superabsorbent            polymer is disposed on an absorbent material deposition area            within the core wrap and the absorbent material deposition            area comprises at least one channel which is at least            partially oriented in the longitudinal direction of the            disposable absorbent article.    -   B. The disposable absorbent article of Paragraph A, wherein at        least a portion of the web of material between the outer cuff        folded edge and the outer cuff material edge is attached to the        chassis in the first waist region, the second waist region and        the crotch region; and at least a portion of the web of material        between the inner cuff folded edge and the outer cuff folded        edge is attached to the web of material between the outer cuff        folded edge and the outer cuff material edge in the crotch        region and the first waist region; and the web of material        between the inner cuff folded edge and the outer cuff folded        edge is unattached to the web of material between the outer cuff        folded edge and the outer cuff material edge in at least a        portion of the second waist region, forming a leg gasketing        system pocket with an opening on an inboard longitudinal edge of        the leg gasketing system pocket.    -   C. The disposable absorbent article of Paragraph B, wherein the        opening of the leg gasketing system pocket measures between 5 mm        and 100 mm in the longitudinal direction.    -   D. The disposable absorbent article of any one of Paragraphs        A-C, wherein the leg gasketing system does not comprise a        polymeric film.    -   E. The disposable absorbent article of any one of Paragraphs        A-D, wherein the leg gasketing system comprises an N-fiber        material.    -   F. The disposable absorbent article of any one of Paragraphs        A-E, wherein the leg gasketing system is comprised of one web of        material.    -   G. The disposable absorbent article of any one of Paragraphs        A-F, wherein the leg gasketing system extends from the first        waist edge to the second waist edge.    -   H. The disposable absorbent article of any one of Paragraphs        A-G, wherein the absorbent material deposition area comprises at        least two channels.    -   I. The disposable absorbent article of any one of Paragraphs        A-H, further comprising a liquid management system.    -   J. The disposable absorbent article of Paragraph I, wherein the        liquid management system comprises at least one liquid        management system channel.    -   K. The disposable absorbent article of Paragraph I, wherein the        liquid management system comprises at least two liquid        management system channels.    -   L. The disposable absorbent article of any one of Paragraphs        I-K, wherein the at least one channel partially aligns with the        at least one liquid management system channel.    -   M. A disposable absorbent article for wearing about the lower        torso of a wearer, the disposable absorbent article comprising:        a first waist region, a second waist region, a crotch region        disposed between the first and second waist regions; a first        waist edge and a second waist edge; and a first longitudinal        edge and a second longitudinal edge; wherein the disposable        absorbent article comprises a chassis comprising:        -   1.) a topsheet;        -   2.) a backsheet;        -   3.) an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the            backsheet; and        -   4.) a liquid management system adjacent to the absorbent            core;        -   wherein the disposable absorbent article further comprises a            leg gasketing system;        -   wherein the leg gasketing system comprises a web of material            forming an inner cuff and an outer cuff;        -   wherein the inner cuff comprises an inner cuff folded edge            and an inner cuff material edge and the outer cuff comprises            an outer cuff folded edge and an outer cuff material edge,            such that the web of material is folded laterally inward to            form the outer cuff folded edge and folded laterally outward            to form the inner cuff folded edge;        -   wherein the absorbent core comprises superabsorbent polymer            enclosed within a core wrap, wherein the superabsorbent            polymer is disposed on an absorbent material deposition area            within the core wrap and the absorbent material deposition            area comprises at least one channel which is at least            partially oriented in the longitudinal direction of the            disposable absorbent article; and        -   wherein the liquid management system comprises at least one            liquid management system channel, and wherein the at least            one channel of the absorbent core aligns with the at least            one liquid management system channel.    -   N. The disposable absorbent article of Paragraph M, wherein the        absorbent material deposition area comprises at least two        channels.    -   O. The disposable absorbent article of Paragraph M, wherein the        liquid management system comprises at least two channels.    -   P. A disposable absorbent article for wearing about the lower        torso of a wearer, the disposable absorbent article comprising:        a first waist region, a second waist region, a crotch region        disposed between the first and second waist regions; a first        waist edge and a second waist edge; and a first longitudinal        edge and a second longitudinal edge; wherein the disposable        absorbent article comprises a chassis comprising:        -   1.) a topsheet;        -   2.) a backsheet; and        -   3.) an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the            backsheet;        -   wherein the disposable absorbent article further comprises a            leg gasketing system;        -   wherein the leg gasketing system comprises a web of material            forming an inner cuff and an outer cuff;        -   wherein the inner cuff comprises an inner cuff folded edge            and an inner cuff material edge and the outer cuff comprises            an outer cuff folded edge and an outer cuff material edge,            such that the web of material is folded laterally inward to            form the outer cuff folded edge and folded laterally outward            to form the inner cuff folded edge;        -   wherein at least a portion of the web of material between            the outer cuff folded edge and the outer cuff material edge            is attached to the chassis in the first waist region, the            second waist region and the crotch region; and at least a            portion of the web of material between the inner cuff folded            edge and the outer cuff folded edge is attached to the web            of material between the outer cuff folded edge and the outer            cuff material edge in the crotch region and the first waist            region;        -   wherein the outer cuff comprises an elastics adhesive and at            least one longitudinally oriented elastic member running            parallel to the outer cuff folded edge, the elastics            adhesive and at least one elastic member disposed between 1)            the web of material between the outer cuff folded edge and            the outer cuff material edge and 2) the web of material            between the outer cuff folded edge and the inner cuff folded            edge;        -   wherein in at least a portion of the second waist region,            the outer cuff is free of elastics adhesive and elastic            members, thus forming a leg gasketing system pocket            between 1) the web of material between the outer cuff folded            edge and the outer cuff material edge and 2) the web of            material between the outer cuff folded edge and the inner            cuff folded edge; the leg gasketing system pocket having an            outboard longitudinal edge at the outer cuff folded edge;        -   wherein the leg gasketing system pocket comprises an opening            on an inboard longitudinal edge of the leg gasketing system            pocket; and        -   wherein the absorbent core comprises superabsorbent polymer            enclosed within a core wrap, wherein the superabsorbent            polymer is disposed on an absorbent material deposition area            within the core wrap and the absorbent material deposition            area comprises at least one channel which is at least            partially oriented in the longitudinal direction of the            disposable absorbent article.    -   Q. The disposable absorbent article of Paragraph P, wherein the        absorbent material deposition area comprises at least two        channels.    -   R. The disposable absorbent article of any one of Paragraphs        P-Q, further comprising a liquid management system.    -   S. The disposable absorbent article of Paragraph R, wherein the        liquid management system comprises at least one liquid        management system channel.    -   T. The disposable absorbent article of any one of Paragraphs        R-S, wherein the at least one channel partially aligns with the        at least one liquid management system channel.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numeral values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm”.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, inrelevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of anydocument is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior artwith respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaningor definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to the term in this written documentshall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A disposable absorbent article for wearing aboutthe lower torso of a wearer, the disposable absorbent articlecomprising: a first waist region, a second waist region, a crotch regiondisposed between the first and second waist regions; a first waist edgeand a second waist edge; and a first longitudinal edge and a secondlongitudinal edge; wherein the disposable absorbent article comprises achassis comprising: 1.) a topsheet; 2.) a backsheet; and 3.) anabsorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; whereinthe disposable absorbent article further comprises a leg gasketingsystem; wherein the leg gasketing system comprises a web of materialforming an inner cuff and an outer cuff; wherein the inner cuffcomprises an inner cuff folded edge and an inner cuff material edge andthe outer cuff comprises an outer cuff folded edge and an outer cuffmaterial edge, such that the web of material is folded laterally inwardto form the outer cuff folded edge and folded laterally outward to formthe inner cuff folded edge; wherein the absorbent core comprisessuperabsorbent polymer enclosed within a core wrap, wherein thesuperabsorbent polymer is disposed on an absorbent material depositionarea within the core wrap and the absorbent material deposition areacomprises at least one channel which is at least partially oriented inthe longitudinal direction of the disposable absorbent article.
 2. Thedisposable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein at least a portion ofthe web of material between the outer cuff folded edge and the outercuff material edge is attached to the chassis in the first waist region,the second waist region and the crotch region; and at least a portion ofthe web of material between the inner cuff folded edge and the outercuff folded edge is attached to the web of material between the outercuff folded edge and the outer cuff material edge in the crotch regionand the first waist region; and the web of material between the innercuff folded edge and the outer cuff folded edge is unattached to the webof material between the outer cuff folded edge and the outer cuffmaterial edge in at least a portion of the second waist region, forminga leg gasketing system pocket with an opening on an inboard longitudinaledge of the leg gasketing system pocket.
 3. The disposable absorbentarticle of claim 2, wherein the opening of the leg gasketing systempocket measures between about 5 mm and about 100 mm in the longitudinaldirection.
 4. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein theleg gasketing system does not comprise a polymeric film.
 5. Thedisposable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the leg gasketingsystem comprises an N-fiber material.
 6. The disposable absorbentarticle of claim 1, wherein the leg gasketing system is comprised of oneweb of material.
 7. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1, whereinthe leg gasketing system extends from the first waist edge to the secondwaist edge.
 8. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein theabsorbent material deposition area comprises at least two channels. 9.The disposable absorbent article of claim 1, further comprising a liquidmanagement system.
 10. The disposable absorbent article of claim 9,wherein the liquid management system comprises at least one liquidmanagement system channel.
 11. The disposable absorbent article of claim10, wherein the liquid management system comprises at least two liquidmanagement system channels.
 12. The disposable absorbent article ofclaim 10, wherein the at least one channel partially aligns with the atleast one liquid management system channel.
 13. A disposable absorbentarticle for wearing about the lower torso of a wearer, the disposableabsorbent article comprising: a first waist region, a second waistregion, a crotch region disposed between the first and second waistregions; a first waist edge and a second waist edge; and a firstlongitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge; wherein the disposableabsorbent article comprises a chassis comprising: 1.) a topsheet; 2.) abacksheet; 3.) an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and thebacksheet; and 4.) a liquid management system adjacent to the absorbentcore; wherein the disposable absorbent article further comprises a leggasketing system; wherein the leg gasketing system comprises a web ofmaterial forming an inner cuff and an outer cuff; wherein the inner cuffcomprises an inner cuff folded edge and an inner cuff material edge andthe outer cuff comprises an outer cuff folded edge and an outer cuffmaterial edge, such that the web of material is folded laterally inwardto form the outer cuff folded edge and folded laterally outward to formthe inner cuff folded edge; wherein the absorbent core comprisessuperabsorbent polymer enclosed within a core wrap, wherein thesuperabsorbent polymer is disposed on an absorbent material depositionarea within the core wrap and the absorbent material deposition areacomprises at least one channel which is at least partially oriented inthe longitudinal direction of the disposable absorbent article; andwherein the liquid management system comprises at least one liquidmanagement system channel, and wherein the at least one channel of theabsorbent core aligns with the at least one liquid management systemchannel.
 14. The disposable absorbent article of claim 13, wherein theabsorbent material deposition area comprises at least two channels. 15.The disposable absorbent article of claim 14, wherein the liquidmanagement system comprises at least two channels.
 16. A disposableabsorbent article for wearing about the lower torso of a wearer, thedisposable absorbent article comprising: a first waist region, a secondwaist region, a crotch region disposed between the first and secondwaist regions; a first waist edge and a second waist edge; and a firstlongitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge; wherein the disposableabsorbent article comprises a chassis comprising: 1.) a topsheet; 2.) abacksheet; and 3.) an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet andthe backsheet; wherein the disposable absorbent article furthercomprises a leg gasketing system; wherein the leg gasketing systemcomprises a web of material forming an inner cuff and an outer cuff;wherein the inner cuff comprises an inner cuff folded edge and an innercuff material edge and the outer cuff comprises an outer cuff foldededge and an outer cuff material edge, such that the web of material isfolded laterally inward to form the outer cuff folded edge and foldedlaterally outward to form the inner cuff folded edge; wherein at least aportion of the web of material between the outer cuff folded edge andthe outer cuff material edge is attached to the chassis in the firstwaist region, the second waist region and the crotch region; and atleast a portion of the web of material between the inner cuff foldededge and the outer cuff folded edge is attached to the web of materialbetween the outer cuff folded edge and the outer cuff material edge inthe crotch region and the first waist region; wherein the outer cuffcomprises an elastics adhesive and at least one longitudinally orientedelastic member running parallel to the outer cuff folded edge, theelastics adhesive and at least one elastic member disposed between 1)the web of material between the outer cuff folded edge and the outercuff material edge and 2) the web of material between the outer cufffolded edge and the inner cuff folded edge; wherein in at least aportion of the second waist region, the outer cuff is free of elasticsadhesive and elastic members, thus forming a leg gasketing system pocketbetween 1) the web of material between the outer cuff folded edge andthe outer cuff material edge and 2) the web of material between theouter cuff folded edge and the inner cuff folded edge; the leg gasketingsystem pocket having an outboard longitudinal edge at the outer cufffolded edge; wherein the leg gasketing system pocket comprises anopening on an inboard longitudinal edge of the leg gasketing systempocket; and wherein the absorbent core comprises superabsorbent polymerenclosed within a core wrap, wherein the superabsorbent polymer isdisposed on an absorbent material deposition area within the core wrapand the absorbent material deposition area comprises at least onechannel which is at least partially oriented in the longitudinaldirection of the disposable absorbent article.
 17. The disposableabsorbent article of claim 16, wherein the absorbent material depositionarea comprises at least two channels.
 18. The disposable absorbentarticle of claim 16, further comprising a liquid management system. 19.The disposable absorbent article of claim 18, wherein the liquidmanagement system comprises at least one liquid management systemchannel.
 20. The disposable absorbent article of claim 19, wherein theat least one channel partially aligns with the at least one liquidmanagement system channel.